Scarlet Letter Chicago Analysis

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The Scarlet Letter & Chicago The theme of a story is woven all the way through the story, and the characters’ actions, interactions, and motivations all show how that theme is part of the story. There are many themes that are similar in The Scarlet Letter and Chicago, but there are also many differences in the themes as well. From the strictly religious uptightness of the Puritans to the sexual dance halls of the Roaring 20’s characters struggle with the same types of issues as shown in the themes of these two works. Two stories that seem totally different in every way can still have overlapping themes that teach the same message. A theme that is relevant in Puritan times can also be applied in the 1920’s and teach the same lesson. Also, …show more content…
This can be achieved by the use of charm, persuasion, coaxing, trickery and misdirection. This has several of the characters from The Scarlet Letter and Chicago written all over it. There is Velma and Roxie who use manipulation on everyone to get what they want for themselves. They manipulate the public, friends, and anyone who will listen to reach their goal. Their lawyer, Billy Flynn, is known for his manipulations in the courtroom, even if it means telling lies. Amos is manipulated by both Roxie and her lawyer, and at the beginning almost takes the blame for the killing. The public is being so manipulated, they think cold blooded killers should go free and not pay for their crimes. Chillingworth manipulates poor Dimmesdale until he is on death’s door. He uses every trick in the book to make him pay for his crime, even keeping who he really is a secret from everyone. But then again, Dimmesdale has obviously manipulated Hester, because she never tells anyone he is the father. Hester is also not telling anyone who Chillingworth really is. Even as a child, Pearl manipulates people around her to get the things she wants. The difference in the manipulations between the two stories is the way people are being manipulated. Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale use their manipulations almost without even realizing they are using them. There seems to be no meanness or trying to manipulate people in a cruel way. Unlike, Velma, Roxie, and Chillingworth who are purposely trying to use and destroy people, so they can have a better life. They don’t care who they hurt as long as they get their way and their needs are met. They are out to have a good life no matter who they have to step on to get

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