An analysis of Nathaniel Hawthorne's depiction of Puritan society in his work, "The Scarlet Letter", and how Puritan values have influenced American society.
Written in 2008; 1,149 words; 6 sources; MLA; $ 39.95
Paper Summary:
This paper examines how, ranging from intolerance, persecution, and patriarchy to sympathy, compassion, and rebellion against dominant hierarchies, "The Scarlet Letter" embodies not only the characteristics typical of Puritan society, but also serves as a criticism for those characteristics in its account of Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale. The paper looks at how Hawthorne's account of these three societal outcasts in "The Scarlet Letter" demonstrates that there were those who sought to change the dominant Puritan ideals, and that the qualities they exemplified were not non-existent. The paper also discusses how, despite the fact that these opposing qualities of Puritanism clashed and co-existed for many years and in many more instances than simply the fictional town where Hester and Pearl lived, dominant patriarchy, narrow moralism, and the suppression of dissent have affected contemporary American society significantly more than have their opposites.
From the Paper:
"Another example of Puritan patriarchy in "The Scarlet Letter" resides in the governor and the positions of power within the town. The governor's breast plate of armor that Hester and Pearl find within the palace illustrates how the positions of power within the town are dominated my masculine ideas such as strict punishment and patriarchic rules (Easton 114-5). This is exeplified in today's society through the domination of men in areas such as politics, corporate leadership, and physically demanding jobs and activities. Likewise in contemporary society, we have seen the rise of women in these areas and they continue to make more of a voice for themselves. Both the dominant and recessive traits of Puritanism are shown in the role of women. The status quo position of women as being subjugated to males runs parallel to the dominant patriarchy that existed in Puritan society. "
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