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Hawthorne's Relationship With The Puritan Society In The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne

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Hawthorne is in relation to the Puritan society through his ancestors in addition to a long line of judges preceding him; whom were known for cruel sentencing during the salem witch trials. 20 or more witches were convicted of a crime under the judgement of Hawthorne's grandfather. Considering the correlation between the Puritans and Hawthorne himself- being more open minded- many see why he chose to separate himself with them. (The Scarlet Letter) Among all the Hawthorns were known for judging people and deciding their fate, similar to the Puritan people. They felt very strongly about people getting what they so deserved in return of their sins. In The Scarlet Letter Hawthorne uses his background knowledge and familiarity with the Puritan …show more content…

Hester has strong belief that her husband has deceased while away, she begins a relationship with Dimmesdale and falls in love with him, thinking that her husband is dead she allows herself to fall more for him during …show more content…

Hester's secret is revealed when the town learns she is bearing a child. Although upon questioning Hester doesn’t deny her sin, she doesn’t announce the name of her lover. Hester protects his identity because of his status within the community. The town sentences Hester to jail time for her wrongdoing, upon release she is to wear a scarlet letter A. Doing this Hester is publically humiliated in her hometown. “The Scarlet letter burned on Hester Prynne’s bosom. Here was another ruin, the responsibility of which came partly home to her.” (Hawthorne, p.116) Later is it learned that Hester’s lover was in fact Dimmsdale the town’s minister, whom himself sins by keeping this secret and continuing to preach and teach the ways of the bible. (The Scarlet Letter Analysis) Hawthorne exploits sin by utilizing the characters mistakes and putting emphasis on the fact that during this time period sin was against everything the Puritans stood for. Hawthorne occasionally reminds the reader sin isn’t easily forgotten. In Hester’s

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