The Scarlet Letter - Puritan Society-
A detailed Summary of The Scarlet Letter - Puritan Society-
The Scarlet Letter - Puritan Society-
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, life is centered
around a rigid Puritan society in which one is unable to divulge his
or her innermost thoughts and secrets. Every human being needs the
opportunity to express how he or she truly feels, otherwise the
emotions are bottled up until they become volatile. Unfortunately,
Puritan society did not permit this kind of expression, thus
characters had to seek alternate means to relieve their personal
anguishes and desires. Luckily, at least for the four main characters,
Hawthorne provides such a sanctuary in the form of the mysterious
forest. Hawthorne uses the forest to provide a kind of "shelter" for
members of society in need of a refuge from daily Puritan life.
In the deep, dark portions of the forest, many of the pivotal
characters bring forth hidden thoughts and emotions. The forest track
leads away from the settlement out into the wilderness where all signs
of civilization vanish. This is precisely the escape route from strict
mandates of law and religion, to a refuge where men, as well as women,
can open up and be themselves. It is here that Dimmesdale openly
acknowledges Hester and his undying love for her.

intrusion from people means no disturbance in the natural order, and
sustaining the belief that he is above Hester. He is finally admitting
never be mentioned in any place other than the forest. "What we
shame. Her eyes grow radiant and a flush comes to her cheek. We
wilderness... until, some few miles hence, the yellow leave will show
would be unthinkable for them to comfort each other. Yet, in the
hemmed in, as you are, on every side by prohibitions. Why, you can
to life, if only for a short time, and he is now hopeful and
appears. She openly talks with Dimmesdale about subjects which would
sermons. "Begin all anew! ... Preach! Write! Act!"(p. 188) The
the forest, they can throw away all reluctance and finally be
an accepting environment? What other platform is there for a man of
person who is not afraid to show her hair and not afraid to display
preoccupied with the constraints that Puritan society places on them.
and religion. What good have they done you anyway? Look at you, a
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1141
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
Category: English
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