Scarlet Letter
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The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne used the scarlet letters to symbolize the harshness of Puritan society, showing how they branded sinners for life. Yet the letters had different effects on their bearers. Those that were outwardly branded, such as Hester Prynn, were made stronger then previously, yet others that bore the mark inside, were scarred, like Arthur Dimmesdale. Although Puritan society is unforgiving towards the sinful scarlet letter, their strictness improved the bearers of the sin.
The Puritan society is adamant in never forgetting the sin of adultery committed by Hester Prynn. As Hester Prynn walked towards the scaffold, women commented on how her punishment was "merciful overmuch", and how Hester "brought shame upon [them] and ought to die." Hawthorne used those words to show the harshness of the Puritans, their unforgiving unrelenting hatred to those who are not perfect in their eyes. They dislike anything that goes against stricture, and believe they should be punished beyond what is deserved. The scarlet letter was also an example of how Puritan society will always remember the sin. "When strangers looked curiously at the scarlet letter and none failed to do so, they branded it afresh into Hester's soul...