Scarlet Letter and Crucible Essay To listen to your conscience rather than society's norms is often an unpopular opinion, especially in a religious environment. However, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Arthur Miller argue just that, in their renowned literary works The Scarlet Letter and The Crucible. The Scarlet Letter the life of Hester Prynne, a woman who commits adultery with the town’s minister Dimmesdale, while The Crucible reminds us of the the Salem Witch Trials with John Proctor, a farmer who has an affair with Abigail Williams. These two stories take place in 1630 and 1692 in a Puritan community, using adultery as the religious aspect to torment both protagonists. Hester Prynne was publicly humiliated and forced to wear a scarlet letter
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One who considers their religion over their conscience (Dimmesdale) and the other conscience over religion (Hester Prynne). Both likeable characters suffer, but through their differences, one prospers and the other suffers till his death.This is clearly seen in chapter 17 when Hester and Dimmesdale are in a forest, catching up on lost time “Hast thou found peace?” Hester asks him (Hawthorne 172) “None!- nothing but despair!” (Hawthorne 172). Dimmesdale then claims “Happy are you, Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly on your bosom!” (Hawthorne 173). This scene displays pathos because Dimmesdale, a likeable character, is seen in misery. We see a difference with Hester because she does not suffer anymore. This is because she has accepted her sin and she has forgiven herself. This gives clarity to the author’s message because it shows exactly what happens when you hold religion to a higher status than your conscience, you can’t live life. The ending of the The Scarlet Letter also supports this theme. Dimmesdale dies after confessing to adultery to the town, while Hester Prynne gains all her husband’s money and becomes the richest widow in town, and even gains reverence. This is to show that in the end the person with conscience over their religion or social normality will
One who considers their religion over their conscience (Dimmesdale) and the other conscience over religion (Hester Prynne). Both likeable characters suffer, but through their differences, one prospers and the other suffers till his death.This is clearly seen in chapter 17 when Hester and Dimmesdale are in a forest, catching up on lost time “Hast thou found peace?” Hester asks him (Hawthorne 172) “None!- nothing but despair!” (Hawthorne 172). Dimmesdale then claims “Happy are you, Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly on your bosom!” (Hawthorne 173). This scene displays pathos because Dimmesdale, a likeable character, is seen in misery. We see a difference with Hester because she does not suffer anymore. This is because she has accepted her sin and she has forgiven herself. This gives clarity to the author’s message because it shows exactly what happens when you hold religion to a higher status than your conscience, you can’t live life. The ending of the The Scarlet Letter also supports this theme. Dimmesdale dies after confessing to adultery to the town, while Hester Prynne gains all her husband’s money and becomes the richest widow in town, and even gains reverence. This is to show that in the end the person with conscience over their religion or social normality will