《红字》1000字英语读后感——The Scarlet Letter

Perseverance and Kindness Make A Brilliant Life

— After reading The Scarlet Letter

Not only is The Scarlet Letter the most successful representative work of Nathaniel Hawthorn, but also the most prestigious work in the field of American romanticism novels. The story offers an extraordinary insight into the norms and behavior of American Puritan society in the 17th century. However, the basic conflicts and problems of the main characters are rather familiar to readers at present.

The story was set Boston in the middle 17th when people are brutally persecuted by the authority both mentally and physically. Heist, a young beautiful woman, suffered the adversity of marriage, whereas unfortunately married to a Warlock who is handicapped and sickish, with whom she has nothing in common. Subsequently, the man got lost during a voyage and disappeared ever since, leaving endless pain and woe to the young woman. But exactly during this tough time, suddenly breaks in a man. They fell in love and spend a pleasant and unforgettable time with each other. All good things didn?t last long. It was not long before the poor young woman was arrested in the name of adultery because the fact of pregnancy was exposed to public. She gave birth to the child anyway. According to the doctrine at that time, Heist could be assoiled only under the condition of making it clear the name of the father. Dramatically, the man who was in charge of the interrogation is her lover.

She wouldn?t tell and was sentenced to wear a symbol of her adultery, a scarlet “A” on her dress at all times. Her husband Chillingworth came back on the day of the trial and didn?t want to acknowledge his identity and threaten the couple by all means.

Throughout the novel, the mainline seems to be around the letter “A”. Imagine how unbearable and shameful it is to wear the “Adultery” label day after day, seven years for punishment and ill fame! Yet, Hester is brave and determined enough to face the cruel reality and brought up the kid Pearl by herself.

As for the handsome priest Arthur Dimmesdale, however, he committed a sin against Hester and Pearl by not acknowledging them as his wife and daughter in the daylight. For seven years, he keeps the dreadful secret from all those who are under his care in the church, for fear that he will lose their love and will not be forgiven. He suffers from mysterious heart trouble, seemingly caused by psychological distress. He wastes his time in agony, played both the role of saint and that of sinner. The couple has tried to flee to Europe and live with Pearl as a family, yet failed under Chillingworth?s obstruction. The novel reaches its peak when Dimmesdale goes to townspeople?s faces after the plan failed, he loses his clothes and a clear scarlet “A” is shown to everyone.

Just as the author said, “His belief supported him but also imprisoned him.” He is too weak to honestly admit his sins but also suffers in his

heart. In the end, Dimmesdale died in the arm of Heist. The painstaking mother and daughter are freed at last. They go abroad and live a happy life.When Pearl is married and has kids, Heist goes back to the town. When a woman has lived through big rise and fall, her character would change a great deal. If she is beaten by all sufferings, she dies. If she survives, the tenderness will leave her. With time passes, Hester?s charitable deeds and humility have earned her some praises. She is always warm-hearted, ready to help others without expecting any thanks — even if people still look down upon her. Gradually, the townspeople began to forget about Heist?s sins. One day a kid asked his mother, “What does the scarlet ?A? on Heist?s dress mean?” His mother replied, “I do not remember, may be Able? Or Angel?” The townspeople no longer view the letter as a punishment, but rather as a label that represents her capability and kindness.

After Dimmesdale?s death, no one changes more in appearance than Roger Chillingworth. All his strength and energy have been used to harm his patient. This unhappy man has made his aim in life to add to the suffering of the two miserable lovers. When the evil old man no longer has such a purpose, the devil takes him back to the hell.

It is a curious subject of observation and inquiry, whether hatred and love be not the same thing at bottom. Each takes a great deal of emotion from one?s heart. The two feelings seem basically the same, except that

one is smiled upon by God, while the other is worshiped by the devil. When Hester dies, she is buried next to Dimmesdale. The two lovers share a single tombstone, with a deep colored letter “A” shining brightly and showing people her capability and kindness.

From Hawthorn?s depict in The Scarlet Letter, I was deeply affected by the whole story as if I was also there. Every plot was gripping and exciting. The novel has shown a complete progress of self-salvation by protagonists themselves. At the end of the novel, I was deeply moved by Heist and Dimmesdale. In old China, when there was also stern doctrines and rules for women?s behavior, a woman committed adultery would choose to die. As the saying goes, all troubles end when the main trouble ends. However, bad words and ill reputation would stick to her whenever she was mentioned. Heist chose a totally different way for her and her child: live bravely and let time judge everything. A brilliant and worthwhile life was achieved all by Heist?s perseverance and kindness, which is rather impressive to me.

While Dimmesdale, although wasn?t brave enough to admit everything, he wasn?t that numbed and cold-hearted. At least, it was Dimmesdale?s braveness that set the mother and daughter free.

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