P5+SBarloon

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The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne examines the world of the Puritan society in the 1700's through Hester Prynne's story. Hawthorne uses a cycle of transgression, shame, repentance, and acceptance throughout the novel to emphasize the culture and society of the period. From a religious standpoint, the characters in the book move through the cycle on the basis of their sin, working to earn forgiveness or acceptance with themselves and their environment.

First, the transgression of the characters is their downfall, or sin. For Hester Prynne her transgression was most obviously the adultery she committed. In a community where "religion and law were almost identical" any sin would be met with little sympathy. "Meager, indeed, and cold, was the sympathy that a transgressor might look for..." (p. 43) and this is exactly what Hester received. For Dimmesdale, his transgression also began with the sin, as did Chillingworth's because everyone was drawn to it in one way or another and it couldn't be forgotten. Religion offered little remorse for the characters during the time.

Next, the characters had to feel and face the shame that came from themselves, the community, and the church. Hester was displayed in public where she "underwent an agony from every footstep of those that thronged to see her, as if her heart had been flung into the street for them all to spurn and trample on. " (p. 47) Hester felt the shame as the Puritan community laid the guilt on heavily. With her, Hester also carried two signs of her sin, her daughter and the letter, which ultimately led to her repentance. Hester felt pressure form everyone that she had done wrong and the strong views of the religious Puritans only made it worse.

Repentance followed shame as Hester worked to overcome her infamous sin. To be repented Hester would have to earn back the acceptance of her society and church. She earned her repentance through good deeds in the community, wearing her scarlet "A" religiously, and living with the guilt of her sin. The people began to see Hester "not as a guest, but as a rightful inmate" or the community. The churchgoing people began to accept Hester back into their family as time progressed because of her behavior as well as the time that had lead some to forget exactly what she had done.

Finally, the people were able to accept Hester back into society as she had served her time. In ways, Hester earned her acceptance by not running away and raising her child.....