Chapters 1-3
In modern society, most people care deeply about their outer image. We often assess our actions and future actions to assure we are being socially acceptable. During the puritan age, the idea of public appearance was even more important. It was important to appear good and holy, so someone would not accuse them of being a witch/wizard. In the first chapters of The Scarlet Letter, we meet Hester Prynn, a young women accused of adultery with an unknown man. At the time, this crime was not only a mortal sin, but it also destroyed your image. To most this would be devastating, however Hester seems to embrace her sin. In fact, she wears a scarlet colored letter 'A' as she walks to the podium in chapter 2. The women in the crowd make disparaging comments about Hester, particularly criticizing her for the ornateness of the letter. Hester is a social anomaly for the puritans, as most would not be so proud of their faults.
I agree how adultery destroys public image. I blogged about how Hester was disgraced by society, too.
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