Beyond the Boundaries of the Puritan Principles. Hester Prynne's Individuality and Self-Determination in "The Scarlet Letter"

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Beyond the Boundaries of the Puritan Principles. Hester Prynne's Individuality and Self-Determination in "The Scarlet Letter" is written by Elena Dreiseiter and published by GRIN Verlag. It's available with International Standard Book Number or ISBN identification 3389023828 (ISBN 10) and 9783389023822 (ISBN 13).

Seminar paper from the year 2015 in the subject American Studies - Literature, grade: 1,0, University of Heidelberg (Anglistisches Seminar), language: English, abstract: This paper delves into the character of Hester Prynne in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," focusing on her individuality and self-determination in defiance of Puritan societal norms. Drawing from the analyses of scholars such as Harold Bloom and Nina Baym, it examines Hester's development over the course of the novel, particularly during her first seven-year period in Boston and upon her return. Through a close examination of Hester's actions and interactions within the narrative, the paper argues that despite living under Puritan rule, Hester consistently displays qualities of individuality and self-determination that challenge and often clash with Puritan morals. Each section of the paper explores different facets of Hester's character development, culminating in an assessment of how her return to Boston reflects her evolution and resilience.