When I first chose to read the Scarlet Letter, I knew it was rich with literary elements. Nathaniel Hawthorne develops themes that teach readers valuable lessons, some of which are applicable to their own lives. He also includes symbols and ironic occurrences that carry meaning throughout the entire novel, or at least the first nine chapters that I have read. One of the biggest ironic instances is the scarlet letter itself. The letter is "in fine red cloth, surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread" (Hawthorne 50). Hester Prynne, a master with a needle, sewed this beautiful, vivid scarlet A which she is forced to wear on her clothes for the rest of her existence; however, how embarrassing is it to wear something beautiful? Yes, the meaning behind the letter is horrid and uncomfortable. It draws attention to Hester throughout each chapter of the novel so far, and enforces constant judgement in a negative way. The meaning of the letter contrasts with the appearance of the letter, ultimately making the letter itself ironic.
Also ironic is the appearance of characters Roger Chillingworth and Mr. Dimmesdale. I believe that both of them have some connection to Hester and Pearl. In the fourth chapter, readers learn that Roger Chillingworth is actually Hester's mysterious husband that everyone knows about, but no one has ever seen. Although he does not fully blame Hester for leaving him because of his "unnatural decay" (whatever that means), he does ask that Hester "Breathe not, to any human soul, that thou didst ever call me husband" (71). Roger is embarrassed by his marriage to Hester, but that's not really the ironic idea. Mr. Dimmesdale is part of the clergy, and he seems to be a mediator between Hester and whoever she argues with at the time. Dimmesdale may be a younger member of the clergy, but there must be a more logical reason for him always sticking up for Hester and Pearl. He refused to punish her when she was first presented in front of the community after giving birth, and he helped protest against Governor Billingham when he tried to take Pearl away from Hester. Both of these instances show a deeper connection between Hester, Pearl and Dimmesdale, than a simple excuse of Dimmesdale being "young and foolish." Still, this is not necessarily the ironic part.
What really is ironic is the connection between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth at the the end of the ninth chapter. While Chillingworth has a definite connection to Hester, Dimmesdale only has one based on speculation. Is it possible that Dimmesdale is the father of Pearl? Hawthorne constantly mentions how Dimmesdale seems to stray from the traditional religious practice. Sometimes Dimmesdale doesn't even want to partake in it, and he enjoys "the relief of looking at the universe through the medium of another kind of intellect than those with which he habitually held converse" (112). Also, members of the community develop the notion that Dimmesdale and Chillingworth may have a relationship deeper than doctor-patient, if you get what I'm saying. Already, Hawthorne hints at Dimmesdale's tendency to not follow the rules. It wouldn't be surprising if he turned out to be Pearl's father. Also, this would increase the ironic factor in the novel. The man who was married to and left by Hester, has befriended the man who may or may not have impregnated Hester. If that's not ironic, I don't know what is. Again, this is all an assumption, but it really wouldn't surprise me if it were true.
So far, this novel is more than I expected it to be. It has taken a bit to pick up, but even the "boring" parts spark some interest in me. There are so many other lessons taught in the first nine chapters, but irony seems to be one of the major aspects of the novel so far, and definitely one worth discussing. I'm super excited to continue with the novel and get all of my strange, but important, questions answered.
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