Scarlet Letter Society Vs Today

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is an American classic that takes place in mid-17th century Boston, Massachusetts. The events throughout the story clearly depict the several obvious differences between American society then, versus now. Some of these differences include punishments and the treatment of women, views of sin and evil, and laws. Because of the vast amount of change that America has experienced in the last few hundred years, the social themes present in this book are not very applicable to American society today. The main character of the story, Hester Prynne, is a woman who is accused of committing adultery with an unknown man. Hester lives in a Puritan society where adultery is considered a terrible sin. She is forced to wear a scarlet “A” on her chest and spend time in prison as a punishment so that the public can shame her. To many of the Puritan woman, Hester deserves a far worse punishment than she received. One woman said, "At the very least they should have put the brand of hot iron on Hester's forehead" (37). Other’s believe that the crime should be punishable by death. To many modern American’s, these actions are rather harsh. In some states, adultery is a crime punishable by a fine or temporary imprisonment, but it would be seen to many as ridiculous to

Some people of the Puritan society believe that Pearl is a child of the Devil, because she was conceived through adultery which is a sin to the Puritans. In chapter 7, Hester says, "'No, my little Pearl!' said her mother. 'Thou must gather thine own sunshine. I have none to give thee!'" (95). This quote expresses Hester’s love for her child, something that few modern American’s would question. Aside from religious extremists, most modern Americans would rather blame the woman who committed adultery rather than shame an innocent