Adultery In The 17th Century

Although adultery is a punishable crime, Hester Prynne took much more of the blame then what she bargained for. This statement can hold truth to many other encounters in Nathaniel Hawthorne's former love story, The Scarlet Letter, of which occuring in the late 17th century. Similar encounters that took place throughout this descript plot can be seen in today's world. Encounters such as the distinction between faith and instinct, the fear of admitting to sin, and the toll of gossip are seen in both the late 17th century and todays day in age. With all being said, one can conclude that as time wears on, some situations, whether they regard religion, sin, or gossip, can be seen in all of history and for future decades to come, regardless of how …show more content…
Although Hester Prynne could not commit the sin of adultery alone, she did face the punishment on her lonesome. The letter A was broadcasted on her chest for the whole town to commiserate over. Hawthorne says ¨staring with wide-open eyes at the scarlet letter, which, being a newcomer in the country, he had never seen before¨(95). The reaction that the governor's most recent servant has upon seeing the scarlet letter for the first time was common for Hester Prynne. Constant staring assumably was a daily reminder of her sin but the never ending whispers and side glances overwhelming her everyday interactions, surely had to affect Hester Prynne's feelings not only about herself, but the town as well. Although the people of Boston felt some consolation for Hester, their acts speak louder than their words do. While Hester was in the woods Hawthorne demonstrated this by saying ¨ She laid her finger on the scarlet letter, and passed on. This might be pride, but was so like humility, that it produced the softening influence of the quality on the public mind¨ (152). Hester placing her fingers on the mark of her sin then later reflecting on the humiliation and the influence that it had on the ¨public mind¨ shows the hardships that she goes through and how the town's gossip affects Hester's over all mood, which can relate to today's day in age. With social media becoming more prominent in …show more content…
At the second scaffold scene Dimmesdale says ¨Then, and there, before the judgement-seat, thy mother thou, and I must stand together. But the daylight of this world shall not see out meeting¨(143)! Dimmesdale battles with the concept of publicising his sin. As the story goes on, it becomes more prominent that his sin manipulates his everyday life. Being a reverend, it was understandable why Dimmesdale omitted the truth, all while knowing that it would not be approved by his congregation. Similar acts happen in today's world, for example, simply not saying anything when your friend does not look the best, can later on end up hurting them more because not only will they be upset with your for not telling them but it could also lead to them feeling that you do not care about them, among other things. It is also observed that Hester feels the same way. Hawthorne demonstrates that though Hester's words by saying ¨But a lie is never good, even though death threaten on the other side¨ (187)! It can be observed that both Dimmesdale and Prynne feel the sorrow associated with their sin, yet are dismayed at the possibilities awaiting the towns discovery of their affair. Although miniscule topics were discussed to compare some of the key ideas in The Scarlet Letter, the two posses some uncanny similarities. Hawthorne's deliberately thought out novel is a time traveling chain of overarching