ISOLATION AND IDENTITY: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL JUDGMENT IN NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE’S THE SCARLET LETTER

Abstract

This article explores how Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter presents the relationship between social judgment, isolation, and identity. The novel examines how public scrutiny and societal expectations shape the experiences and self-perception of Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, and Pearl. Through textual analysis, the study demonstrates how isolation affects personal development, moral reflection, and social interaction. Hawthorne uses symbolism, characterization, and narrative perspective to illustrate the psychological consequences of exclusion and the resilience required to navigate a judgmental community. The analysis highlights the enduring relevance of the novel in understanding how social pressures influence human identity, relationships, and self-realization.