1. Introduction

1.1 Research background

Nathaniel Hawthorne is the 19^th-century greatest romantic novelist and psychological novelist of America. He was born in 1804 from a declining family in new England. After his father died of yellow fever at sea when he was only four years old, his mother became overly protective and pushed him towards more independent pursuit. He fell under the influence of the family which practiced the Puritan tradition. In 1941, Hawthorne was dismissed from the Salem Custom House by means of public humiliation, both a great shame and anger for him. Hawthorne had never made much money as an author and the birth of his first daughter added to the financial burden; therefore, he had no choice but to support his family by taking up writing. Consequently, The Scarlet Letter was published a year later, which he wrote out of sheer vindictiveness. As the representative of American psychological revenge novels, the book in which characters#8217; psychological revenge is intertwined has established Hawthorne#8217;s reputation in American literature.

Emily Bronte is a 19^th #8211;century novelist and poet. She was born in the mountains of northern England. The lonely purple moors became one of the most important shaping forces in the life of Emily who had no close friends. To escape her unhappiness, she began to write fiction. Her only novel, Wuthering Heights, full of mysticism, did not gain immediate success as Charlotte#8217;s Jane Eyre, but it has acclaimed later fame as one of the most intense novels written in English language. The character of Heathcliff was the reflection of her lonely and perverted mind. Her revenge was done just like Heathcliff#8217;s. Wuthering Heights has laid the groundwork for Emily Bronte#8217;s status both in the history of English Literature and world literature.

The thesis will conduct a comparison between Chillingworth in The Scarlet Letter and Healthcliff in Wuthering Heights, aiming to disclose the abuse of the capitalist society, remind people of the importance of pursing true love, and make people maintain goodness.

1.2 Need for the study

As for the need of the study, first, both America and England were turbulent times during the creation period. The developed Capitalism increasingly exposed its inherent defects by depicting grim surroundings, morbid psychology of the characters, and distorted human nature. This study can help people realize that the capitalist system can be advisably modified. Next, it helps us know the essentiality of true love, which can have the power to heal all wounds, bind us together, and create relationships beyond our present capacity. Last, this essay may call for the awakening of human nature. The two novels transcend the traditional concept of absolute opposition between good and evil in terms of human nature and shows that there is goodness in human nature. We need to face evil and purify our souls by means of redemption and repentance so as to achieve the transformation of mind.

2. Literature review

2.1 Previous studies on The Scarlet Letter