Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter is a novel following the life of an adulteress, Hester Prynne, and her struggles with herself and her community as her illegitimate child grows older. Hawthorne is one of the most well known American authors and has many famous works taught in schools all over the country. The Scarlet Letter, while usually referred to as a romance novel, has very little action; instead, it focuses mainly on the thoughts of the characters. Hawthorne uses his character’s thoughts and behaviors to show characteristics of psychological sublimation, isolation, and personal identification, making The Scarlet Letter more of a psychological novel.
Psychology is the science of mind and behavior. One of the most basic aspects of …show more content…
After being released from prison, she begins assisting others around the town. Hester sews clothes for numerous people and authority figures, helps women who are giving birth, and many other activities. Eventually, people even begin to say the ‘A’ stands for able. Hester uses sublimation by managing to displace her “emotions into a constructive rather than destructive activity (McLeod).” Instead of continuing to disobey the law of her community such as committing adultery, she performs acts that improve the community and help others. Hester translates her anger towards her conviction into something positive.
Another basic of psychology is personal identification, or ID. ID, according to Shahram Heshmat, Ph.D., is when people “misrepresent themselves or present themselves in out-of-character ways to impress an audience (Heshmat).” ID can also be used as a defense mechanism for people who have something to hide or are not confident in themselves. People identify as someone they are not to try to earn the respect and admiration of others. However, while trying to impress others, people simultaneously hurt
Psychology is the science of mind and behavior. One of the most basic aspects of …show more content…
After being released from prison, she begins assisting others around the town. Hester sews clothes for numerous people and authority figures, helps women who are giving birth, and many other activities. Eventually, people even begin to say the ‘A’ stands for able. Hester uses sublimation by managing to displace her “emotions into a constructive rather than destructive activity (McLeod).” Instead of continuing to disobey the law of her community such as committing adultery, she performs acts that improve the community and help others. Hester translates her anger towards her conviction into something positive.
Another basic of psychology is personal identification, or ID. ID, according to Shahram Heshmat, Ph.D., is when people “misrepresent themselves or present themselves in out-of-character ways to impress an audience (Heshmat).” ID can also be used as a defense mechanism for people who have something to hide or are not confident in themselves. People identify as someone they are not to try to earn the respect and admiration of others. However, while trying to impress others, people simultaneously hurt