Scarlett Letter
An original novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne “ The Scarlett Letter” brings forth the essence of the Puritan era and gives the audience an insight look into the experience of a young woman “Hester Prynne”. “The Scarlett Letter” starts off the reader by describing a worn down environment and shallow place from where a prison stands. Nathaniel Hawthorne shows the unforgiving penal system that Puritan influence had during the earlier times by sending off death sentences and public shaming. “Hester Prynne” is a character that bares a letter knitted to her bosom the letter “A” and carries a infant throughout my reading. Hester is being punished by public shaming on a platform viewed by the many townsfolk of Massachusetts. Though in the beginning we are presented with lady characters that gossip and try to enforce their opinion to strike Hester with a death sentence after her crime (adultery perhaps).
As the story develops not much is said from Heather Prynne but her character and small actions outline her personality and soon to be details further on the read. Puritan law and influence might not have been fair upon woman and “sins” but Heather seemed to have her will strong and spirits up even when upon the “shaming” platform. Though not much has been revealed about who committed the sin with Heather Prynne her back story about her husband and recent life reveals little detail of her character. Though hate struck the women in the town much is left unanswered why they reacted the way they did ( jealousy, hate, vendettas ). Hawthorne’s interpretation of divine mixed with hate and sin made Heather look righteous in image alone but also not be tainted by her sin against the Puritan belief. Though much can’t be said thus far it is certain that reasons and questions will be cleared as one reads further into the novel.
Question:
Why does Heather Prynne receive minor public humiliation rather then receive a death sentence?
I don't see it as minor since it seems to be that humilation you have to walk with it and feel ashamed which is some thing that will last rather that death which is quick in a sense easy (the misery doesnt last aslong)Besides the women seem to enjoy feeding off of another's pain, the longer it lasts the better
ReplyDeleteThe men seem to think that her sin was not as offensive as the women think. The men were the one who decided her punishment and they saw it fit to just send her to humiliation. The women, on the other hand, think that she deserves a harsher punishment, even death. However, when death is suggested, a man says that it's too harsh. If the women decided then Hester would have gone to death, because her sin was more shameful to women.
ReplyDeleteI think that the town believes that public humiliation alone is enough punishment. I believe it is to because she has to walk around with a big "A" on her bossom , has minsters point her out to people as a symbol for sin and is casted out.
ReplyDeleteI guess that according to their "religion" it is a harsher way to punish with which you will have to live for the rest of your life, while death is like the easy way out to end torture. However, I believe both of them are wrong, especially since there are so many who go about unpunished.
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