Question

what story does hawthorne tell about the origin of the rosebush? Explain what the wild rosebush might symbolize

Answer 1

Answer:

The origin of the rosebush was that it grew from the exact spot where Anne Hutchinson had entered the prison after she had been tried and excommunicated for her decision in criticizing the authority of the Puritanical society.

This rosebush an be taken as a symbol for the beauty, carefree yet enduring resilience of the plant against the surrounding nature and its forces.

Explanation:

Nathaniel Hawthorne claims that some people believe the rose bush at the entrance of the prison doors sprang "up under the footsteps of the sainted Ann Hutchinson, as she entered the prison-door". Anne Hutchinson had questioned the authority of the puritanical society of her time in Massachusetts bay Colony. She had also questioned the status of women in the society, blaming it for their submissive nature. She wants women to have the same right as men and also criticized the religious leaders of taking advantage of their power to be authority over all matters.

The wild rosebush in "The Scarlet Letter" symbolizes the nature side of humanity. Hester Prynne's demoralizing character after being convicted of adultery was supposed to make her life a never ending humiliating life. But the wild and beautiful rosebush, which was strong and enduring shows the free, beautiful and carefree nature that is in stark contrast with the sad, punishing reality of her life. It represents the possibility of life even within the confines of the 'supposed' realm of the society.