Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Exploration of ‘Waywardness’ in The Scarlet Letter

The novel The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, delves into the intricate themes of waywardness and the profound consequences of straying from societal norms and Puritan morality. The term waywardness refers to the difficulty in controlling or predicting behavior, which is vividly portrayed through the character of Hester Prynne and her entanglements within a rigid, yet hypocritical, Puritan society.

The Context of The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter is set in a Puritan society where the strict and inflexible moral code dictated by church and community set the backdrop for the novel’s narrative. The time period in which the story is set, particularly the early 17th century, was characterized by stringent rules regarding sexuality, marriage, and behavior. In this context, any act outside the norm, such as Hester Prynne’s affair and subsequent pregnancy, was considered a grievous sin. The sentence handed down to Hester—a public shaming through the wearing of a scarlet ‘A’—not only symbolized her supposed adultery but also served as a stark reminder of the community’s expectations and the consequences of transgressing them.

Understanding Waywardness in The Scarlet Letter

Waywardness, in the context of The Scarlet Letter, can be defined as the defiance of cultural and religious norms. Hester, through her act of having a child out of wedlock, becomes a symbol of waywardness. The societal response to her actions is as harsh as the punishment she receives. In Chapter 1, the townspeople view Hester as a malefactor, as evidenced by one of the women’s sentiments:

“I’ll tell ye a piece of my mind. It would be greatly for the public behoof if we women being of mature age and church-members in good repute should have the handling of such malefactresses as this Hester Prynne.”

This quote highlights the hypocrisy of the women who consider themselves righteous, yet fail to understand the complex nature of Hester’s predicament. The women who scorn her see themselves as pure and upright, but their judgment is clouded by their own prejudices and the rigid societal norms they uphold. Hester's deviance, represented by the letter 'A', is not just an act of sin but a public declaration of her unorthodox life path.

Hester’s Journey Through Waywardness

Hester’s life can be seen as a journey through waywardness, marked by her extramarital affair, her ostracization, and her eventual redemption. From the moment Hester wears the scarlet letter, she is marginalized, viewed as a outcast. The letter becomes more than just a symbol of her sin; it is a constant reminder of her deviation from societal norms. Her choices define not just her character but also her fate in this Puritan society.

Pearl and the Symbol of Waywardness

The character of Pearl is also a crucial indicator of waywardness. As a product of an affair, Pearl's presence represents her mother’s transgression. Hester, however, raises Pearl in a way that only intensifies her natural wildness and non-conformity. Thorough understanding and the societal expectations, the child gradually becomes a contradiction to the norms of the town, embodying the very essence of waywardness.

Conclusion

In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne portrays a society that relies heavily on strict moral codes and the public shaming of perceived waywardness. Through the life and actions of Hester Prynne and the wild spirit of her daughter Pearl, Hawthorne highlights the cost of deviating from societal expectations. The novel serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the struggle to navigate the complexities of moral and social responsibility in a Puritan society.

References

Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. 1850.