Authors often use fictional works to add their own commentary about the social and political aspects of the era their work is placed in. In The Scarlet Letter, the author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, draws attention to the Puritans’ flawed perspective on sin. Hawthorne illuminates this gray area that is often overlooked due to the black and white Puritan way of thinking. In doing so he adds his own viewpoint on the reality of sin and its reverberations. By portraying Hester as a sympathetic character, he defies all of the Puritans’ preconceived notions of sinners.
Puritans saw sin as inevitable, unforgivable, impartible, and marring. Puritans believed that sin and the evil that comes along with it, was contagious and a threat to their society. The …show more content…
Hawthorne’s views are reflected in Hester’s actions and her struggle with guilt. Hawthorne’s focus on the psychological effects of guilt and sin further demonstrate how his dark romantic views are embedded in The Scarlet Letter. The Puritan’s view of sinners was dehumanizing and belittling. For instance, when in town, Hester is nothing more than an example of immorality and its effects. The children and townspeople stare at her and whenever she goes to church the preacher uses her life as a cautionary tale. However, it is clear that Hawthorne believes that sinners are not defined by their mistakes. By featuring different aspects of Hester’s identity, Hawthorne makes her character sympathetic and pushes the reader to understand why Hester’s dehumanization was unjust. The Puritans did not regard Hester’s charitable deeds and virtuous composure as atonement for her sin. While it was appreciated, they did not believe that Hester’s act of caring for the poor and being a mother was enough to rectify her wrongs. Hawthorne frequently accentuates Hester’s genuine integrity and righteousness to emphasize the idea that sinners were more than the sins that they were marked by. While the Puritans do not see it the same way, Hester does has a chance at redemption and has grown because of her sin. Hester may have toughened throughout the years but that is not a result of her sin but a result of
Puritans saw sin as inevitable, unforgivable, impartible, and marring. Puritans believed that sin and the evil that comes along with it, was contagious and a threat to their society. The …show more content…
Hawthorne’s views are reflected in Hester’s actions and her struggle with guilt. Hawthorne’s focus on the psychological effects of guilt and sin further demonstrate how his dark romantic views are embedded in The Scarlet Letter. The Puritan’s view of sinners was dehumanizing and belittling. For instance, when in town, Hester is nothing more than an example of immorality and its effects. The children and townspeople stare at her and whenever she goes to church the preacher uses her life as a cautionary tale. However, it is clear that Hawthorne believes that sinners are not defined by their mistakes. By featuring different aspects of Hester’s identity, Hawthorne makes her character sympathetic and pushes the reader to understand why Hester’s dehumanization was unjust. The Puritans did not regard Hester’s charitable deeds and virtuous composure as atonement for her sin. While it was appreciated, they did not believe that Hester’s act of caring for the poor and being a mother was enough to rectify her wrongs. Hawthorne frequently accentuates Hester’s genuine integrity and righteousness to emphasize the idea that sinners were more than the sins that they were marked by. While the Puritans do not see it the same way, Hester does has a chance at redemption and has grown because of her sin. Hester may have toughened throughout the years but that is not a result of her sin but a result of