Scarlet Letter-Writing Assignment 4

Scarlet Letter-Writing Assignment 4

To be used with chapters 16-19

• After reviewing the different archetypes in literature, find a section from chapters 16-19 that illustrates, at least partially, some of the characteristics of an archetypal connection.
• Using support from the novel, illustrate the archetypal characteristics, be they character or situational archetypes, of the passage you have selected.
• Keep in mind that characters do not have to specifically fit all parts of each archetype perfectly (nor should they, ultimately).
• Perhaps the most compelling, and analytical part of the discussion may have to do with how the character may alter the characteristics of the archetype rather than follow them completely.
• Therefore, in reference to this archetype, discuss how Hawthorne uses it to advance a theme from the novel. In essence, why does this archetype provide a model/foundation on which to advance a theme?
• Don’t forget, create a claim that both identifies the archetype and identifies how it relates to a theme (and the function of that theme-you know, meaning as a whole stuff!) Hawthorne is promoting.

Example:

As I have mentioned, Roger Chillingworth has many of the characteristics of The Devil Figure. In fact, Hawthorne states directly in the narrative that Chillingworth has many characteristics of the devil. Here are some quotes:

“Had a man seen old Roger Chillingworth, he would have no need to ask how Satan comports himself.” (95)

“then might Roger Chillingworth have passed with them for the arch fiend.” (107)

“In a word, old Roger Chillingworth was a striking evidence of man’s faculty to transform himself into a devil.” (116)

“(I, Hester,) …pity thee for the hatred that has transformed a wise and just man into a fiend!” (119)

So, I think we have our evidence that Roger Chillingworth holds some of the characteristics of The Devil Figure. However, Hawthorne’s goal was probably not to create a tale full of archetypes, but to use them for another purpose.

So, if Roger Chillingworth is not really a devil (and Hester claims he should be pitied), why create such a man of evil actions, only to consider pity for him from our protagonist? Considering the topics/themes, perhaps Roger’s personal destruction came about from his intense belief in the unrelenting code of punishment and/or the omnipresent power of the patriarchal system that allowed foran affirmation of his vengeful actions on a proven sinner and a descent of his character.

Perhaps, his inability to choose some sort of righteousness, or forgiveness, would allow him to lay claim to his former character traits, as Hester had. But, even at this juncture in the novel, when he considers his former self as just, even asking Hester for confirmation on which she delivers, he can’t correct his path.

So, let’s create a claim for the value of this apparent archetype, the alteration of it, and the subsequent support for ameaning of the novel as a whole.

Roger Chillingworth’s vengeful and sadistic treatment of his seemingly unwitting “friend and colleague” exhibits the characteristics of The Devil Figure, a relationship that will surely haunt him to his lonely demise. However, as revealed by Hester’s pity, ironically the pity of the town sinner, the personal envy and resulting vengeance that caused Chillingworth’s descent of character does not represent a congenital defect of a doomed soul. The descent of Hawthorne’s “leech” reflects the unrelenting, dispassionate nature of the patriarchal Puritan code of law, wherein the enforcement of intolerant rules provokes collateral damage upon those who carry out the punishment. For Roger Chillingworth, he was not born The Devil Figure, but evolves into its shape under the guise of moral judgment.