Book Club
by Elena Black
Hello again, dear Slytherins. With Mother's Day quickly approaching, I have decided to focus on a piece of literature where the main protagonist is indeed a mother herself. You will soon see, however, that she is by now means a typical mom. Why not? You'll see when I elaborate. For now, allow me to reveal that this month, I will be discussing Nathaniel Hawthorne's magnum opus novel,The Scarlet Letter.
Although The Scarlet Letter focuses primarily on creating a new life through repenting and dignity for our main character, Hester Prynne, that is most definitely all we see. Throughout the novel, Hester proudly raises her child Pearl, whom she conceived by having an affair. However, given Hester had believed for so long her lover had been lost at sea, it could be argued easily it wasn't so much of an affair if she had thought her husband to be deceased.
All the same, that matters not to the other citizens of Boston. The Scarlet Letter is set in June of 1642, when Puritans were common along with their beliefs. Hester's "affair" is found out about and punished to stand atop the scaffold while wearing a red letter 'A' on her dress to shame her. Time and time again, she is asked who the father is. But she always refuses to answer.
Following her release from prison, Hester settles in a cottage at the edge of town and earns a meager living with her needlework. She lives a quiet, somber life with her daughter, Pearl. She is troubled by her daughter's unusual fascination by Hester's scarlet "A". As she grows older, Pearl becomes capricious and unruly. Her conduct starts rumors, and, not surprisingly, the church members suggest Pearl be taken away from Hester.
But never once does she give up on Pearl, even when she is in a more disobedient and unruly mindset. Instead, Hester raises her as best as she can. And when people threaten to take Pearl away from her, Hester does everything in her power to ensure she does not lose custody of her own child.
Despite all the troubles she endures, the old saying "a mother's love for their child is the strongest" continues to be shown throughout the novel The Scarlet Letter. So many other things besides Hester continuing to push forward even with all the ongoing trials could have easily happened. But they didn't. And it is one of the best displays in literature of a strong, single mother surviving and living on. In certain ways, you could almost compare her to Narcissa save for the obvious differences in one being wed. All the same, even Narcissa took a risk and lied to save her her own child, thus fighting in a similar fashion that Hester did.
While Nathaniel Hawthorne has written many other books, I would have to agree - on a personal note mind you - that this is perhaps his best work. But his others aren't half bad though. I would honestly give anything written by him, especially The Scarlet Letter a chance at reading.
Have a great May dear Slytherins and Happy Mother's Day for those who are moms!
Until next time,
Elena Black