The first thing that I always thought of when I heard the words Scarlet Letter was SCANDAL. I don't know where I got this from since I had never known the plot of the Scarlet Letter, it was just one of those cliches that was ingrained in me. So I settled in for this scandalous read with an outdated plot and very current themes.
Ohhhh Hester, you dirty slut. Finding yourself in the arms of a loving man long after your husband has been presumed lost at sea.
Ummm, not so much.
If anything, I give her props for waiting as long as she did. Boston nights can be very cold and lonely.
This book really made me realize how far we have come in society in terms of what is acceptable behavior and punishment. I'm not saying that I agree with adultery, in fact I think that it's gross and hurtful, but in the case of Hester, not everything is black and white. Or scarlet.
A major theme of this book is reputation.
Years have passed, and one thing remains the same. The outcome of a slutty affair will always damage the woman involved, more than it will the man. It's disheartening and unfair but unfortunately no amount of feminist protests, bras being burned, or donations to the Hilary Clinton campaign will change that. The option for the modern woman is to take this double standard with the same grace and strength that Hester did.
Another strong theme is consequence.
Everyday we are faced with choices. Some are easy, some are hard. Some challenge you to look inside and stand up for what means the most to you. Some you don't even have to think about. Some are as simple as whether or not to give a cheating ex-boyfriend a second chance. That's an easy one, right? Riiight.
The fact is, every choice that we make, good or bad, is going to produce a consequence. In Hester's case, the consequence was harsh. To have a humiliating visual symbol of one choice attached to here person forever.
It made me think though. Just because we're not wearing the consequence of our bad decisions on the outside, doesn't mean that they are not burned into who we are.
Hester's disgrace took tangible form that everyone could see with their eyes and yet she was completely at peace. Today, shame can be hidden from those we pass on the street and those we love, but inside we are dying of guilt.
I can't tell which is worse.
I guess that's the real scandal.
