What Does the Black Man Represent in The Scarlet Letter?

February 25, 2025 tertium

Introduction

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, set in Puritan New England, the "black man" is a significant symbol that embodies evil and temptation. This figure is not a literal character but a representation of the devil, reflecting the community's strict moral and religious codes. The novel follows Hester Prynne, punished for adultery by wearing a scarlet letter "A," and explores the lives of key characters like Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth, and their daughter Pearl, delving into themes of sin, guilt, and redemption.

Key Points

The "black man" in The Scarlet Letter likely represents the devil or evil, a common symbol in Puritan beliefs, though interpretations can vary.
Research suggests he is linked to sin and temptation, marking sinners like Hester with the scarlet letter.
It seems likely that characters like Roger Chillingworth embody this figure, reflecting themes of vengeance and moral corruption.
The evidence leans toward the "black man" being a metaphorical figure, not a literal person, enhancing the novel's exploration of guilt and redemption.

The "Black Man" as a Symbol of Evil

The "black man" first appears in the narrative through superstitious beliefs, particularly in Chapter 16, "A Forest Walk," where Pearl asks Hester about him. Pearl describes him as haunting the forest, carrying a book with iron clasps, and marking people who sign their names in blood, a clear allusion to making a pact with the devil. Hester confirms this by stating, "Once in my life I met the Black Man! This scarlet letter is his mark!" (Chapter 16, Project Gutenberg), linking the scarlet letter directly to this evil figure.

Connections to Characters

Pearl's references to the "black man" extend to identifying Roger Chillingworth as the "old black man" in Chapter 10, "The Leech and His Patient." She warns, "Come away, mother! Come away, or yonder old Black Man will catch you! He has got hold of the minister already. Come away, mother, or he will catch you! But he cannot catch little Pearl!" (Chapter 10, CliffsNotes). This suggests Chillingworth, driven by revenge and manipulating Dimmesdale's guilt, embodies the "black man's" evil nature. His dark appearance and actions, such as probing Dimmesdale's soul, align with the devilish imagery.

Thematic Significance

The "black man" symbolizes the internal and external struggle with evil, reflecting Puritan views where sin is often externalized. Characters like Chillingworth represent vengeance, while Dimmesdale's hypocrisy highlights internal moral corruption. This symbol enhances the novel's exploration of guilt and redemption, showing how evil can manifest through human actions and societal pressures.

Survey Note: A Detailed Analysis of the "Black Man" in The Scarlet Letter

This section provides a comprehensive examination of the "black man" in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, expanding on the direct answer with detailed insights for a deeper understanding, particularly suitable for students and literary enthusiasts. The analysis is grounded in textual evidence and scholarly interpretations, ensuring a thorough exploration of the symbol's role and significance.

Context and Setting

The Scarlet Letter, published in 1850, is set in Puritan New England, a society governed by strict moral and religious codes. The narrative centers on Hester Prynne, who is publicly shamed for adultery and forced to wear a scarlet letter "A" on her chest. The main characters include Hester, her lover Arthur Dimmesdale, her husband Roger Chillingworth, and their daughter Pearl. The Puritan setting, with its emphasis on sin and punishment, provides a backdrop for the symbolic representation of the "black man" as a figure of evil and temptation.

Initial Identification and Symbolic Role

The "black man" is introduced as a metaphorical figure, not a literal character, rooted in the superstitious beliefs of the Puritan community. In Chapter 16, "A Forest Walk," Pearl, known for her intuitive and wild nature, asks Hester about the "black man" she has heard about from an old dame. According to Pearl, the "black man" haunts the forest, carrying a large book with iron clasps and an iron pen, offering it to people to sign their names in blood, after which he sets his mark on their bosoms. This description aligns with folklore where the devil tempts individuals into sin, marking them as his own.

Hester's response is pivotal: "Once in my life I met the Black Man! This scarlet letter is his mark!" (Chapter 16, Project Gutenberg). This statement establishes a direct link between the scarlet letter and the "black man," suggesting that the letter is a physical manifestation of the devil's mark, symbolizing Hester's sin of adultery. This connection underscores the theme of sin and its public acknowledgment in Puritan society.

Pearl's Perception and Additional References

Pearl's curiosity about the "black man" extends beyond Chapter 16. In Chapter 10, "The Leech and His Patient," she refers to Roger Chillingworth as the "old black man," warning Hester, "Come away, mother! Come away, or yonder old Black Man will catch you! He has got hold of the minister already. Come away, mother, or he will catch you! But he cannot catch little Pearl!" (Chapter 10, CliffsNotes). This reference is significant, as it identifies Chillingworth, who is driven by revenge and manipulates Dimmesdale's guilt, as an embodiment of the "black man's" evil.

Pearl's perception is insightful, reflecting her role as a symbol of natural truth and intuition. Her identification of Chillingworth as the "black man" highlights his malevolent actions, such as his psychological torment of Dimmesdale, which mirrors the devil's role in tempting and claiming souls. This interpretation is supported by analyses, such as Shmoop, which note that the narrator compares Chillingworth to Satan, raising questions about innate evil and moral choice.

Chillingworth's Embodiment of the "Black Man"

Roger Chillingworth's character is often paralleled with the "black man" due to his physical and moral attributes. Described with a "dark and sallow" complexion, he is likened to a "fiend" or "demon" in his pursuit of Dimmesdale's secret sin. His role as a physician who probes into Dimmesdale's soul can be seen as a metaphorical representation of the devil, tempting and torturing a sinner. This is evident in Chapter 10, where Chillingworth's actions are compared to Satan stealing a soul, as noted in LitCharts.

Chillingworth's vengeance-driven behavior, particularly his manipulation of Dimmesdale's guilt, aligns with the "black man's" supposed activity of marking and claiming souls. This interpretation is further supported by EduBirdie, which argues that Chillingworth is the living embodiment of the "black man," sharing desires to capture souls, specifically Dimmesdale's.

Thematic Implications and Broader Symbolism

The "black man" serves as a symbol of evil, reflecting Puritan views where sin is often externalized and attributed to supernatural forces. However, Hawthorne uses this symbol to explore the internal struggles and moral complexities of his characters. For instance, Chillingworth represents external evil through vengeance, while Dimmesdale's hypocrisy and self-torture highlight internal moral corruption.

This duality is evident in the novel's exploration of guilt and redemption. The "black man" is not just an external threat but also a manifestation of the characters' internal battles with sin. For example, Hester's acknowledgment of meeting the "black man" and wearing his mark (the scarlet letter) reflects her acceptance of her sin, while Dimmesdale's secret guilt is exacerbated by Chillingworth's devilish influence.

Comparative Analysis with Other Symbols

The "black man" can be compared to other symbols in literature, such as the devil in Dante's Inferno or Mephistopheles in Goethe's Faust, both representing temptation and moral downfall. In The Scarlet Letter, the "black man" is uniquely tied to the Puritan context, where the forest, often associated with wilderness and sin, becomes the setting for encounters with this figure. This is seen in Mistress Hibbins' invitation to Hester in a post-Chapter 8 dialogue, mentioning a "merry company in the forest" and promising the "Black Man" that Hester would join, implying witchcraft and devilish activities (The Scarlet Haikus).

Conclusion and Educational Value

In conclusion, the "black man" in The Scarlet Letter represents the devil or the embodiment of evil, a symbol that enhances the novel's exploration of sin, guilt, and redemption. Through characters like Chillingworth and narrative elements like the scarlet letter, Hawthorne illustrates the complex interplay between societal morality and individual conscience. For students, understanding this symbol provides deeper insight into the novel's themes and the Puritan worldview, enriching literary analysis and discussion.

Table: Key References to the "Black Man" in The Scarlet Letter

Chapter	Context	Quote	Interpretation
10	Pearl warns Hester about Chillingworth	"Come away, mother! Come away, or yonder old Black Man will catch you! He has got hold of the minister already."	Chillingworth embodies evil, manipulating Dimmesdale.
16	Pearl asks about the "black man," Hester confirms the scarlet letter is his mark	"Once in my life I met the Black Man! This scarlet letter is his mark!"	Links scarlet letter to sin and devil's mark.
Post-8	Mistress Hibbins invites Hester, mentions the "Black Man"	"There will be a merry company in the forest; and I wellnigh promised the Black Man that comely Hester Prynne should make one."	Implies witchcraft, devilish temptation in the forest.

This table summarizes key textual evidence, aiding in a structured understanding of the "black man's" role.

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