I found this version of the cover art for the Scarlet Letter. I thought that this version is particularly interesting because the "A" is on Hester's face instead of her dress. I think that this shows how deeply Hester feels her shame and embarrassment. She can never forget about her indiscretion. I think that it also shows how the townspeople feel about her. Even without the scarlet letter to remind them of Hester's sin, they hate her and ostracize her for what she has done. Hester is the embodiment of the scarlet letter.
This is such an interesting cover! I agree that it could be showing Hester's shame for having an affair. I thought it might be Pearl in the photo since she is described as being the embodiment of the scarlet letter.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you guys have said so far. It looks like there are leaves and the beginnings of flowers on the edges of the cover. I think it is interesting to include them connected to the A because of what we have discussed so far about flowers. They are a symbol for Hester's sin and for society, and I think it's important that the cover artist made them connect to the A. Also, they make the A look much more beautiful than shameful.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you guys have said. I think that it's also interesting that her eyes are looking down. Whether this is meant to be Hester or Pearl, I think that this shows that she is either embarrassed or looked down upon by society. If it is Hester, it shows that she is ashamed of her sin and avoids looking into people's eyes.
ReplyDeleteI feel like this is a very disturbing cover. To add on to the comments, I feel that by putting the Scarlet A on Hester's face, the Scarlet A truly becomes her identity. The saying, "eyes are the windows to the soul" can be applied to this book cover, for Hester's eyes are closed. You can't see her eyes or soul, similar to how Puritan society can not see Hester's true character or feelings.
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