How Is Situational Irony Used In The Scarlet Letter

2015
Scarlet Letter The author Nathaniel Hawthorn was born into a puritan family. He wrote the book The Scarlet Letter which deals with many different themes of sin, guilt and despair which are largely used in many of his writings. These themes were created from past guilt that he has felt personally for the role of his ancestors in their involvement in the Salem Witch Trials prosecutions. Hawthorne created one of the most recognized novels of his career which is The Scarlet Letter where there is many example of verbal, situational and dramatic irony throughout the book to give readers different insights and thoughts. The first type of irony that is introduced in the book is verbal irony, where the character will say one thing, but means another or will say it without realizing its importance to him. The first instance of verbal irony was when Hester stands on the scaffold and Dimmesdale makes a deal for her to speak for her fellow sinner. Dimmesdale tells her that her silence would only add to sin. This incident is ironic because Dimmesdale does not yet know what life; he will live because of sin. Dimmesdale talking about what could lead to sin is ironic because he does not know what the future has in store for him and the sins he could …show more content…
The first instance when the Puritans arrive to the New World where they make a part of the land a cemetery and the other a prison. This is ironic because they came from the Old world to create a new beginning where a city on a hill was going be perfect with no problems, but if they meant that then why would there be any need to build a prison and cemetery first. Another example or irony is when Hester gave money to charity, this part is ironic because Hester is seen as a nut case herself and, people see her as needing help before she can help others. This is true, you need to be able to help and take care of yourself before you can help