The Limits of Sexuality: Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter And Other Literary Victims

This article delves into the nuanced portrayal of sexual limitations within
Nathaniel Hawthorne's fictional work, The Scarlet Letter. Through the
lens of psychoanalytic theories focused on Sigmund Freud's concept of
the return of the repressed, it explores the intricate web of societal norms
and personal desires that shape the characters' experiences of sexual
passion. Furthermore, the article examines the ethical quandaries
surrounding the sexuality of significant characters like Arthur
Dimmesdale, Hester Prynne, and Roger Chillingworth, all residing
during the Puritanical era. By juxtaposing Hawthorne's narrative with
other literary victims such as Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale
and Kate Chopin's The Storm, the article's relevance lies in its exploration
of timeless themes surrounding sexuality, societal norms, and personal
desires, shedding light on ethical dilemmas across historical eras.