Punishment In The Scarlet Letter
Punishment in The Scarlet Letter
In today s world, for the most part, punishment is utilized to force one into learning from their
mistakes. However, in Nathaniel Hawthorne s, The Scarlet Letter, the Puritan society seen in the novel
views punishment as fuel for permanent guilt and vengeance. Whether publicly ostracizing an
individual or one s self castigation, punishment, along with the effect it has on its suspect, is a central
theme in the novel. In The Scarlet Letter, punishment serves as a catalyst for growth, yet, also the
source of depletion depending on the perseverance of the one with punishment.
In the novel, the main character, Hester Prynne, serves as a source of perseverance and growth. As
seen throughout the novel, she is bounded ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Reverend Author Dimmesdale chastises himself by failing to take ownership for his actions. Contrary
to his initial thoughts, keeping his adultery a secret took a severe toll on his conscience. Dimmesdale
said to Hester and Pearl, Them, and there, before the judgement seat, they mother, and thou, and I
must stand together, But the daylight of the world shall not see our meeting! (Hawthorne 143).
Dimmesdale shows his cowardliness by portraying his intentions on his family by saying the only
person that can know about his sin is God and they. Overtime, his mental and physical state starts to
diminish due to the weight of lie on his conscience. Dimmesdale confesses, I should long ago have
thrown off these garments of mock holiness, and have shown myself to mankind as they will see me at
the judgment seat. Happy are you, Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom! Mine
burns in secret! (Hawthorne 190). Dimmesdale, finally, realizes and admits the lethal effect of guilt on
his conscience. He proves that by not acknowledging one s sins is a far more severe punishment than
being honest and accepting one s punishment. Moreover, Hawthorne utilizes Dimmesdale to
demonstrate how dishonesty can dwindle the well being of an
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