Essentialism vs. Constructionism in the Scarlett Letter
The Scarlett Letter addresses the issue of essentialism versus constructionism. Most of the characters seem to be essentialists, believing that there is a definite right and wrong, guilt and innocence; that there is sin. Even Chillingworth, the open-minded man who half-adopted Indian traditions, believes strongly that the adultery that Hester committed (though admittedly inevitable) was […]
