Figurative Speech In The Scarlett Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlett Letter, uses figurative speech in his writing to depict Puritan life and to show his views and beliefs of that society. This can be shown through the interaction between Pearl and the young minister, Dimmesdale and how much of a dichotomy in their actions they are but also how similar their expressed in the passage. The passage on page 96 starts off with the minister’s decision to allow Hester to keep her daughter, Pearl. After announcing his decision he ceases to speak and quietly withdraws from the conversation. This shows that the minister is most definitely not outgoing and feels uncomfortable being a part of the conversation. Hawthorne uses the words ceasing and withdrawn to convey a message that Dimmesdale is hiding something and he does not want anyone to know. …show more content…
Hathworne uses the word concealed and heavy folds to show just how hard Dimmesdale is trying to hide himself and the extent of what he is concealing from the others. Hawthorne also uses the word partially to indicate that the minster is trying really hard to stay anonymous but yet there is a part of him that wants to be shown and wants to be revealed. Perhaps what he is trying to hide but also wants to show is his true feelings toward Pearl and Hester. Hawthorne then goes on to describe the minister’s joy from his decision. Despite concealing himself behind the window curtains, his shadow is cast onto the floor by the sunlight. The shadow represents the minister’s feelings, which are being cast or forced out in front of everyone. The shadow is described as being tremulous because of the vehemence of his appeal. The shadow is tremulous because of the relief that the minister is feeling because of his decree. The minister’s passion was so great and he felt so joyful that it was forced out