『주홍글자』에 나타난 대안적 질서의 가능성

The Alternative Order in The Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is an American version of Crime and Punishment. With the story of law and its transgression within the early New England Utopia-oriented Puritan community. what Hawthorne explores is the influence of social regulations on the life of individuals. This is depicted through the leader of the theocratic society. Arthur Dimmesdale, whose ordeal develops through his relationship with Hester Prynne. Hester's sexuality, maternal instincts, and passion are "the others" in Dimmesdale that he wants to ignore but cannot. Hester's adventurous spirit and passionate nature reflected through her love for Dimmesdale threatens his public identity as a minister. Hawthorne acknowledges the sanctity of love between Hester and Dimmesdale. However, he does not sanctify the infringement of social norms. By confessing his sin before the villagers on the New England Holiday, instead of starting off on a new beginning as he promised Hester in the forest, Dimmesdale succumbs to the existing law. However, Hawthorne is not merely emphasizing Dimmesdale's conformity to social norms. While his confession of sin reflects his respect for law, it simultaneously represents the acceptance of passion and sympathy that was within himself. Therefore, his confession is also a warning against the structural rigidity resulting from its oppression of human heart. What Hawthorne pursues is an alternative space where personal identity can be maintained within social relationships. He sees this possibility In Hester, who, after Dimmesdale's death, returns to the community and shares love and sympathy with the socially weak, especially the alienated women.