The Scarlet Letter

This was for last month's installation of Intepretations. The there was "Stained For Life." I took my inspiration from Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. I know it seems like an odd thing to choose for a theme, but it was one of those things that just rattled around in my head until I made it. The quotes, the hymn paper, everything just came together. **Click on the photos for a better view, they aren't as blurry as they look here.**

If you're not familiar with the story, Hester is a young bride sent to live by herself in America, by her much-older husband. She has a child, obviously not her husband's, and is forced to wear the letter A for adultery.

There are many archetypal images and themes in this classic, which I used for inspiration. Her lover is a clergyman, thus the hymn paper in the background. The quote is from a book completely unrelated to the subject matter, but it fit perfectly!, and it reads " I have heard it preached that pain is the currency of salvation. If it is so, surely we have bought heaven."

One token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another. ~ Chapter II "The Market-Place"

Ah, but let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will be always in her heart. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter, Chapter II "The Market-Place"

Despite the persecution, Hester keeps quiet about the father of her child. She lives her life quietly, even though she is tortured by her husband who arrives on the scene (but keeps his identity secret).

Her daughter's name is Pearl (notice her headband). She is called an Imp by some, so the wings fit perfectly.

But this had been a sin of passion, not of principle, nor even purpose. ~ Chapter XVIII "A Flood of Sunshine"

Enjoy!