The Influence of the Puritan Society on The Scarlet Letter

05.17.2023 // By Tome Tailor

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The Scarlet Letter is a classic tale of sin, punishment, and redemption set in the strict Puritan society of 17th-century Boston. It tells the story of Hester Prynne, who conceives a daughter through an affair and is forced to wear a scarlet “A” on her clothing as a sign of her adultery. The novel is an exploration of the nature of sin, guilt, and redemption, as well as a critique of the hypocrisy and intolerance of the Puritan community.

In this in-depth exploration, we will delve into the ways in which the Puritan society of the time influenced the story, the characters, and the central themes of The Scarlet Letter. From its setting in the early days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, to the strict moral code that dictated every aspect of daily life, the Puritan backdrop of the novel is an integral part of the world that Hawthorne reveals to us.

The Historical Setting: The Massachusetts Bay Colony

The novel is set in the early days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, a settlement founded by English Puritans in 1628. The Puritans, a group of devout Protestants who sought to “purify” the Church of England, faced persecution in their homeland for their religious beliefs. As a result, they sought refuge in the New World, where they hoped to create a society based on their strict interpretation of the Bible.

In The Scarlet Letter, the Massachusetts Bay Colony is depicted as an unforgiving place with a harsh climate, hardworking settlers, and a rigidly enforced social order. Hawthorne’s portrayal of the colony reflects both the physical difficulties of life in the New World, and the sense of isolation and persecution that the Puritan settlers would have felt.

The Moral Code of Puritan Society

One of the central aspects of Puritan society was its strict moral code. The Puritan faith emphasized the innate sinfulness of all humanity and the need for individuals to continually strive for salvation. Sin was not just a matter of private morality, but was believed to have a direct effect on the health and prosperity of the community as a whole.

The Puritan moral code permeated every aspect of daily life, and those who deviated from it faced severe consequences. In The Scarlet Letter, we see this in the way that Hester Prynne is ostracized and publicly shamed for her sin of adultery. The scarlet letter “A” that she is forced to wear serves as a continuous reminder of her sin, as well as a warning to others of the consequences of breaking the moral code.

Key Characters in the Novel and Their Struggles Within Puritan Society

The Puritan society depicted in The Scarlet Letter has a profound impact on the lives and actions of its main characters: Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth. Each of these characters struggles with the rules and expectations of their community, and their individual journeys are profoundly shaped by the cultural context in which they live.

  • Hester Prynne: Hester’s punishment for her sin of adultery is harsh and relentless. Nevertheless, she shows great courage and inner strength in the face of her public shaming and ostracism. Over time, Hester’s struggle helps to reveal the hypocrisy of the Puritan community, as the people who condemn her are shown to be equally as sinful, in their own ways, as she is.

  • Arthur Dimmesdale: Dimmesdale is a well-respected minister in the community and the secret father of Hester’s child. His struggle is even more poignant than Hester’s because he feels intense guilt for his sin, but must hide his transgression from his congregation. The pressure of living a double life leads him to suffer from severe physical and mental anguish.

  • Roger Chillingworth: Chillingworth, Hester’s former husband, becomes consumed with hatred and revenge after learning about her affair. His cruel manipulation of Dimmesdale and his transformation into a malevolent figure who preys on the weaknesses of others ultimately reveal the danger of allowing oneself to be ruled by vengeance and a desire to control the behavior of others.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Puritan Society in The Scarlet Letter

In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses the backdrop of 17th-century Puritan New England to explore complex human experiences such as guilt, sin, and redemption. The novel’s characters are shaped by their society’s strict moral code, and the consequences of breaking from the accepted norms are depicted as harsh and unforgiving.

However, the novel also reveals the hypocrisy and shallowness of Puritan society, as its seemingly pious, judge mental characters are ultimately revealed to be just as sinful and morally flawed as the individuals they condemn. Through The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne challenges readers to question the true nature of sin, guilt, and redemption, and to recognize the dangers of a society that values conformity over understanding and compassion.

If this exploration has piqued your interest and you would like to delve deeper into the world of Hester Prynne and Puritan society, make sure to read or listen to the book The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne today. Experience the powerful journey of redemption and the stark depiction of the human condition within the confines of a strict and unforgiving society.

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