... of no effect, thank themselves if their own wives and daughters go astray!" This particular woman was most likely speaking on behalf of how the Puritan majority felt about the subject matter. The Puritans were a hardcore religious society; everything was built around religion, and religion was built around everything ... the community. The woman speaking in this passage felt that a small letter to be worn on the breast was not a harsh enough punishment for Hester's shameful sin. She, as well as many other Puritans, believed that punishment by death would be much more suitable for such a h...

• Word Count: 1200
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... And Pearl One of the most complex and elaborate characters in The Scarlet Letter is Pearl, the misbegotten offspring of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. Throughout the story Pearl, becomes quite the dynamic little individual, as well as an extremely important ... her beauty cause her to be viewed as even stranger from the other typical Puritan children ,whom are dressed in traditional clothing. As a result, she is accepted only by nature and animals, and ostracized by the other Puritan children. "Pearl was a born outcast of the infantile world the whole peculiarity, ... a striking ...

• Word Count: 1158
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... commits is one that is based on the laws and morals of the Puritan society. Although adultery, in the eyes of Puritans, is seen as a horrendous crime, if it is out of love it contradicts the actual crime, which is to go against one's spouse as an act of spite. Hester follows her heart and so is therefore innocent of all sins ... -so much power to do and power to sympathize -that many people refused to interpret the scarlet "A" by its original signification. They said that it meant "Able"; so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman's strength" (p.145). Finally her views on her actions are...

• Word Count: 694
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School