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Literary divices in the Scarlet Letter
Literary analysis of the symbolism used in the scarlet letter
Literary divices in the Scarlet Letter
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The Scarlet Letter Analytical Essay
Along with the other elements, the setting plays a major role in the furthering of the plot in almost every book. Especially in The Scarlet Letter, there are many factors that go into the setting of the book. The setting and the correlation of the weather to the mood of the characters plays a prominent role in the furthering of the plot; the actual time period and setting of the story and the specific descriptions of the scenery, characters, and the weather changes the outlook of the novel, making it more or less dark.
It is important to take into account the time period during which this story took place because it gives us background information on the story and it also “sets the mood of the readers” (Literary Devices). This story took place in the mid-17th century in the city of Boston. During this time, the state religion was Church of England. The Church of England had gotten rid of many Catholic practices but the Puritans wanted more change and they desired for maximum spiritual purity. As a result, they left the church and desired to create a community which emphasized and stressed religious purity. They made sure their laws were strict and focused on their goal which was to root out sin. Their religiously strict community plays a major part in furthering of the plot in The Scarlet Letter because their leaders and townspeople had a strong view on sin and wanted to root out any kind of evil which might have existed in their community. It is imperative that the reader understands the importance of the setting and the environment because both of them “determine character” (The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica).
The next factor to take into account is the descriptions of the characters. ...
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... the plot and it also helps the reader distinguish between the nature of sin and evil and the nature of happiness and joy. Last of all, it is evident that there is a strong correlation between the weather and the mood of the characters. Depending on the condition of the weather, the characters are either joyful or in sorrow and pain. Once again, the setting and the descriptions play a major role in furthering the plot in The Scarlet Letter.
Works Cited
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The scarlet letter. Pleasantville, N.Y.: Reader's Digest Association, 1984. Print.
"Literary Devices." Literary Devices. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2014. .
The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. "setting (literary device)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2014.
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