Examples of Personification in The Scarlet Letter

Personification is a literary device that gives human qualities to non-human entities or abstract ideas. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel, The Scarlet Letter, personification is used to vividly depict various elements of the story, enhancing the reader's understanding and engagement. This essay will examine several instances of personification in the novel, exploring their significance and impact on the narrative. Through the use of personification, Hawthorne effectively brings to life the scarlet letter itself, the forest, and the scaffold, contributing to the overall depth and complexity of the story.

The Scarlet Letter: A Living Emblem

One of the most prominent examples of personification in The Scarlet Letter is the characterization of the scarlet letter as a living entity. Hawthorne repeatedly imbues the letter with human qualities, portraying it as a relentless, haunting presence in Hester Prynne's life. For instance, when Hester is first introduced wearing the letter, Hawthorne writes, "On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread, appeared the letter A. It was so artistically done, and with so much fertility and gorgeous luxuriance of fancy, that it had all the effect of a last and fitting decoration to the apparel which she wore" (Hawthorne, 56). Here, the scarlet letter is depicted as a work of art, enhancing Hester's appearance. The personification of the letter as a decoration suggests that it has a life of its own, capable of influencing how others perceive Hester.

Furthermore, as the story progresses, the scarlet letter takes on a more ominous and oppressive role. Hawthorne writes, "But the point which drew all eyes, and, as it were, transfigured the wearer--so that both men and women who had been familiarly acquainted with Hester Prynne were now impressed as if they beheld her for the first time--was that SCARLET LETTER, so fantastically embroidered and illuminated upon her bosom" (Hawthorne, 77). In this passage, the scarlet letter is personified as a transformative force, altering the perception of those who look upon Hester. The use of the word "transfigured" suggests that the letter possesses a supernatural power, capable of changing how people see Hester.

This personification of the scarlet letter serves to emphasize its significance as a symbol of sin and shame, highlighting the burden it places on Hester's life. By presenting the letter as a living entity, Hawthorne effectively conveys the emotional weight that Hester carries throughout the novel.

The Forest: A Mysterious Sanctuary

Another example of personification in The Scarlet Letter can be found in the portrayal of the forest. Throughout the novel, the forest is depicted as a place of refuge and freedom, contrasting the strict and judgmental Puritan society. Hawthorne personifies the forest, giving it a mystical and alluring quality. For instance, he writes, "The road, after the two wayfarers had crossed from the peninsula to the mainland, was no other than a footpath. It straggled onward into the mystery of the primeval forest" (Hawthorne, 101). Here, the forest is personified as a mysterious entity, inviting exploration and adventure.

In addition, when Hester meets Dimmesdale in the forest, Hawthorne describes the setting as follows: "There was a sense of indefinite expectation, though expectation of what, it would have been difficult to say. ... In such cases, it is perhaps not a good thing to be alone" (Hawthorne, 123). By personifying the forest as having its own expectations, Hawthorne creates an atmosphere of anticipation and uncertainty. The personification also suggests that the forest is a sentient being, capable of influencing the actions and emotions of those who enter it.

Through the personification of the forest, Hawthorne highlights its role as a sanctuary for Hester and Dimmesdale, where they can escape the judgment and hypocrisy of their society. The forest becomes a character in itself, offering solace and freedom to those who seek it.

The Scaffold: A Witness to Guilt

The scaffold, a recurring symbol in The Scarlet Letter, is also personified in the novel. As a platform of public punishment and shame, the scaffold serves as a constant reminder of the characters' sins. Hawthorne personifies the scaffold to emphasize its role as a silent witness to guilt and to heighten the emotional impact of the characters' experiences. For example, when Hester is first brought to the scaffold, Hawthorne writes, "She bore on her breast, in the curiously embroidered letter, a specimen of her delicate and imaginative skill, of which the dames of a court might gladly have availed themselves, to add the richer and more spiritual adornment of human ingenuity to their fabrics of silk and gold. Here, indeed, in the sable simplicity that generally characterized the Puritanic modes of dress, there might be an infrequent call for the finer productions of her handiwork. Yet the taste of the age, demanding whatever was elaborate in compositions of this kind, did not fail to extend its influence over our stern progenitors, who had cast behind them so many fashions which it might seem harder to dispense with" (Hawthorne, 56). In this passage, the scaffold is personified as a judge, evaluating Hester's adornment and skill. The personification underscores the symbolic significance of the scaffold as a symbol of judgment and punishment.

Furthermore, when Dimmesdale ascends the scaffold in the dead of night, Hawthorne writes, "He ascended one of the wooden steps, and, with his nostrils dilated, his lips compressed, his eyes gleaming with a sudden and momentary burst of passion, he made a stride upon the platform, and, striking his hand upon his heart, exclaimed,--'Hester Prynne!'" (Hawthorne, 157). Here, the scaffold is personified as a confidant, to whom Dimmesdale confesses his guilt and addresses Hester. The personification adds a sense of intimacy and secrecy to the scene, intensifying the emotional impact of Dimmesdale's revelation.

In conclusion, personification is a powerful literary device that Nathaniel Hawthorne employs effectively in The Scarlet Letter. Through the personification of the scarlet letter, the forest, and the scaffold, Hawthorne adds depth and complexity to the narrative, enhancing the reader's understanding and engagement. The scarlet letter becomes a living emblem of Hester's sin and shame, the forest becomes a mysterious sanctuary, and the scaffold becomes a silent witness to guilt. These personifications contribute to the overall themes and symbolism of the novel, making The Scarlet Letter a timeless masterpiece of American literature.