Any simple characterization of Suzan-Lori Parks’ In the Blood as an adaptation of Hawthrone’s The Scarlet Letter would be too reductionist. No doubt, when a character is penned to have the name “Hester”, the audience immediately looks for similarities between her and the protagonist of Hawthrone’s masterpiece, as they should, since the “red letter” play by Parks does not shy away from parallels and common imagery with the 1850 novel. In fact, both authors begin their narratives in a style that is reminiscent of Greek writers who set a predictive tone for the events that are about to unfold. But, as we see, while Hester and Hester share a similar starting point, their journeys and destinations cannot be more different. In fact, it is precisely the immense differences between…show more content… Similar to Prynne’s introduction in the novel, La Negrita’s entrance is preceded by the cacophony of an opinionated and merciless mob that has already passed judgment on her situation; she becomes a victim due to the circumstances that her birth places her in; and she finds only some sense of blessing in her children. Despite similar beginnings, we see that Prynne’s story begins with her being at peace with her predicament, as she realizes that the reactions of her neighbors are in accordance with the Puritan code that governs her community. She has extraordinary skills that make her an unique asset to members of her community. She possesses “a mind of native courage and activity”, and is “made...strong” by the “Shame, Despair, Solitude” that become her “teachers” (Hawthorne 299), which turn her into a contemplative philosophizer who speculates on on humanity, society and morality. Most importantly, her daughter is the very namesake for the blessing she feels to have had her. Dimmesdale’s confession liberates Prynne and allows the stigma of her scarlet letter to be elevated and
