The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne takes place in the mid-seventeenth century in a Puritan community which used to be known as the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The main character, Hester Prynne committed adultery by having a child through an affair and struggled throughout the story because of how her society is treating her. The author, Nathaniel seems to have an interest in his Puritan ancestors, this story shows his knowledge of their beliefs, values and how things were like during the time period of Puritan society. His portrayal of the characters, plot, and themes shows his concern for those who faced harsh punishments because of rigid and oppressive rules. As a woman, Hester was restricted from her freedom and rights to live the way
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Meagre, indeed, and cold, was the sympathy that a transgressor might look for, from such bystanders at the scaffold. On the other hand, a penalty which, in our days, would infer a degree of mocking infamy and ridicule, might then be invested with almost as stern a dignity as the punishment of death itself.” (CH 2 pg.41) This shows the extent the Puritan society went to punish others. There seems to be no remorse once a person’s behavior opposes the word of God. Almost all decisions were based on religious belief. No matter how mild or extreme the crime is, the consequences were always terrifying. As a criminal, it is common to expect no sympathy from others when being executed. This explains the harsh treatments towards Hester having an affair, from going to jail and being humiliated publicly on the scaffold. It was also believed she should suffer the rest of her life for her sin, and be reminded of it each and every day with a symbol on her chest. This would not be an acceptable punishment in today’s …show more content…
Alone in the world, cast off by it, and with this sole treasure to keep her heart alive, she felt that she possessed indefeasible rights against the world, and was ready to defend them to the death.” (CH 8 pg.88). She continues on to say “God gave me the child!” cried she. “He gave her, in requital of all things else, which ye had taken from me. She is my happiness!—she is my torture, none the less! Pearl keeps me here in life! Pearl punishes me too! See ye not, she is the scarlet letter, only capable of being loved, and so endowed with a million-fold the power of retribution for my sin? Ye shall not take her! I will die first!” (CH 8 pg.88) This shows how Hester felt like an outcast. Her daughter meant everything to her and as a mother, she felt that she must defend her rights for her daughter. Not only did she feel her rights to her child were being tripped away because they believed she was an unfit mother, but her basic personal rights as well. Puritans believed men are the head of the household and in charge of making decisions, while women obeyed, took care of children and housework. Women were just expected to be good wives, mothers and follow the teachings of God. This was believed to help keep society in line with God. Adultery or any kind of sexual sin was shunned severely
Meagre, indeed, and cold, was the sympathy that a transgressor might look for, from such bystanders at the scaffold. On the other hand, a penalty which, in our days, would infer a degree of mocking infamy and ridicule, might then be invested with almost as stern a dignity as the punishment of death itself.” (CH 2 pg.41) This shows the extent the Puritan society went to punish others. There seems to be no remorse once a person’s behavior opposes the word of God. Almost all decisions were based on religious belief. No matter how mild or extreme the crime is, the consequences were always terrifying. As a criminal, it is common to expect no sympathy from others when being executed. This explains the harsh treatments towards Hester having an affair, from going to jail and being humiliated publicly on the scaffold. It was also believed she should suffer the rest of her life for her sin, and be reminded of it each and every day with a symbol on her chest. This would not be an acceptable punishment in today’s …show more content…
Alone in the world, cast off by it, and with this sole treasure to keep her heart alive, she felt that she possessed indefeasible rights against the world, and was ready to defend them to the death.” (CH 8 pg.88). She continues on to say “God gave me the child!” cried she. “He gave her, in requital of all things else, which ye had taken from me. She is my happiness!—she is my torture, none the less! Pearl keeps me here in life! Pearl punishes me too! See ye not, she is the scarlet letter, only capable of being loved, and so endowed with a million-fold the power of retribution for my sin? Ye shall not take her! I will die first!” (CH 8 pg.88) This shows how Hester felt like an outcast. Her daughter meant everything to her and as a mother, she felt that she must defend her rights for her daughter. Not only did she feel her rights to her child were being tripped away because they believed she was an unfit mother, but her basic personal rights as well. Puritans believed men are the head of the household and in charge of making decisions, while women obeyed, took care of children and housework. Women were just expected to be good wives, mothers and follow the teachings of God. This was believed to help keep society in line with God. Adultery or any kind of sexual sin was shunned severely