Effective Punishment in Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter Essay -- Scarle

Effective Punishment in Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter Hawthorne, Author of The Scarlet Letter, criticizes that the style of punishment used by the Puritan Religion was radical, inhumane, and cold. He argues that the outcome of their punishments' was damaging to the characters and their personality. However, this accusation is false. The punishments although seemingly inhumane, caused positive outcomes for all three characters Hester Prynne, Pearl Prynne, and Arthur Dimmesdale. Hester Prynne is accused of adultery in a Massachusetts puritan colony in the 1600's. (Hawthorne, 49) Although Hawthorne argues that Hester Prynne was hardened both socially and physically by puritan punishment, the outcome makes her more independent and stronger as a person. She begins to aid the less fortunate, sick, and poor in her community. "so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman's strength." (Hawthorne, 148). The community begins to accept her as a humanitarian, and realize that she is actually a very giving and strong willed person (The Scarlet Letter). Hester begins to think more independ...