SCARLET LETTER Meaning and
Definition
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The term "scarlet letter" refers to a symbol of shame, ostracism, or moral condemnation, often associated with the literary work of the same name written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The Scarlet Letter is a novel set in Puritanical 17th-century New England, depicting the life of Hester Prynne, a woman who is forced to wear a red letter "A" on her clothing as punishment for committing adultery.
In today's context, the term "scarlet letter" has evolved into a metaphorical expression. It denotes a badge, mark, or stigmatizing label that is placed upon an individual to publicly expose and condemn them for a perceived offense, wrongdoing, or moral transgression. Such a label can result in social exclusion, public humiliation, and a loss of reputation, often leading to significant personal and professional consequences.
The scarlet letter is closely associated with the infringement of societal norms and can encompass a wide range of actions, including infidelity, dishonesty, betrayal, or any action deemed immoral or scandalous by society at large. It highlights the enduring nature of public condemnation and the lasting impact it can have on a person's life.
The scarlet letter serves as a cautionary tale, reminding individuals of the potential consequences of deviating from accepted moral standards and acts as a stark reminder of how society often demonizes those who transgress its norms.
Common Misspellings for SCARLET LETTER
- acarlet letter
- zcarlet letter
- xcarlet letter
- dcarlet letter
- ecarlet letter
- wcarlet letter
- sxarlet letter
- svarlet letter
- sfarlet letter
- sdarlet letter
- sczrlet letter
- scsrlet letter
- scwrlet letter
- scqrlet letter
- scaelet letter
- scadlet letter
- scaflet letter
- scatlet letter
- sca5let letter
Etymology of SCARLET LETTER
The etymology of the phrase "scarlet letter" can be traced back to Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter", which was published in 1850. In the novel, the protagonist Hester Prynne is forced to wear a scarlet letter "A" on her clothing as punishment for her adulterous affair.
The term "scarlet letter" itself was coined by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and it has since become a well-known idiom in the English language. The use of the word "scarlet" in this context refers to the bright red color of the letter and symbolizes sin, shame, and public disgrace. The addition of the word "letter" signifies the visual representation of the adulterous act and serves as a constant reminder of Hester's transgression throughout the story.
Similar spelling words for SCARLET LETTER
- scarlet pimpernel,
- Scarlet Lychnis,
- scarlet oak,
- scarlet bugler,
- scarlet plume,
- scarlet tanager,
- scarlet maple,
- scarlet runner,
- scarlet bush,
- scarlet fever,
- scarlet haw,
- scarlet clematis,
- scarlet sumac,
- scarlet cup.
