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The Scarlet Letter - A Romantic Novel
Many critics consider The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, to be a typical Puritan style tale concerning the wages of sin and divine punishment. ... The only valid argument however is that The Scarlet Letter is a romantic love story. ... The Scarlet Letter is a classic romance novel, because throughout the story, the main concern is the love between Arthur and Hester, and the sacrifices they make, in hopes to someday reunite. ... Her wearing of the scarlet “A” on her chest is a sign of that love. Earnest Sandeen states,
“If Hester is willing to endure the ‘torture of the scarlet letter’, it is because she is still in love, not because she is penitent. ... The ministers also tell her they will remove the scarlet letter from her chest if she reveals the name of her lover. ... Ye cannot take it off” To Hester the letter does not represent the crime she committed, but an open admittance of her love for Dimmesdale. ... She is forced to wear the scarlet letter “A” on her chest always, and suffers the ridicule of society.
Approximate Word count = 861 Approximate Pages = 3.4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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