In the novel "The Scarlet Letter," Nathaniel Hawthorne depicts the customs and cultures of the puritan society. He leads all of the readers in the curiosity of the sanctity and sanity of the story. Many people in the American school system have struggled with the question whether or not to ban the novel from being taught because of the context. What these people lack is the true understanding of what valuable lessons the novel really teaches. American schools systems should continue allowing The Scarlet Letter to be taught because of its teachings of the Puritan society, the effects of sin, and the spirit of Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Any true educator can see how there are many elements that can be taught through The Scarlet Letter. The plot of the story revolves around the Puritan era which has so much rich history to be told about the society. This particular society is well known for the discipline and loyalty it has for religion (Source A). Puritans have a deep respect for the law of God and a hatred for those who break it, which is why they have such harsh punishments when the law is broken (Source A). When Hester Pryne is announced for committing adultery, she must pay the price for the sin she has made. However, in the Puritan Society, their views can also be seen as hypocritical. The town's governor and minister continuously preach to people in Boston about how worldly items do not matter and how sacred the law of God is; both of these men go against what they have told others by doing what they have said not to do. The Scarlet Letter is able to teach readers this history about the Puritan society through the actions of each character in the novel.
Another valuable lesson taught in the story is the effects of sins. The plot is not only based around the sins committed by Hester Pryne and Arthur Dimmesdale but also the results their sins have caused. Once the town of Boston discovers the act of adultery Hester commits, she is put out in the market place to face public shame.