Self-Sufficiency And Independence As A Strategy Of Survival And Co-Existence: A Study Of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter

Abstract

In the present study, Nathaniel Hawthorne The Scarlet Letter is examined from an existential standpoint. In his portrayal of Hester Prynne, Hawthorne sketches her character in a way that exhibits existential insights as a woman who has to overcome her situation under very complicated circumstances. She is presented as a woman with a firm belief in her abilities and potentials to make free decisions that entail responsibility. The main objective of the study is to provide an in-depth textual analysis of the novel in question to explore the conflict between the society and the individual. To make the exploration a purposeful one, Stare’s Existentialism is employed to provide a detailed analysis of the major characters in the text in question. The paper seeks to pinpoint how Hester Prynne, the protagonist, in this novel, is able to achieve self-reliance and self-sufficiency thanks to her individual ability to chart the paths of her life and achieve fulfillment through making responsible free choices. She chooses not to disclose the identity of her partner despite being judged by him, she gracefully chooses to comply with the verdict by the jury to wear the letter “A” as a badge of shame on her chest the rest of her life, she chooses to remain in the same community despite whatever sufferings she has to endure and, eventually, she chooses to mingle with the community after being shunned in an attempt to change her status and she succeeds in changing it. All these decisions are existentially free; they also demonstrate a great sense of commitment and responsibility to their consequences. As an existential individual, Hester, despite a lot of sufferings, is able to change her badge of ignominy to one of honor and acceptance. In a word, Hester Prynne is presented as an existential figure who is able to turn her predicament to a blessing.