considered a severe sin. In Puritan society, it was often punishable by death. This is a
clear example of how we can learn from history, for now we have laws such as the 8th
amendment against cruel and unusual punishment. With that being said, it is clear how
many would argue to “sugar-coat” history and tweak the telling of certain events to
make them seem more tame, or even ignore them altogether. However, this historical
censorship impedes the opportunity to learn from history and strive for a better
tomorrow.
Many of the topics in The Scarlet Letter can translate into today’s society,
including those of insecurity and individuality. For example, Hester’s scarlet letter was a
“symbol of her dishonor”(11) and sin, and she “always suffered dreadful agony when
she felt a human eye on the symbol”(39). This is a very relatable feeling of insecurity
and fear of judgement, which sends many people into isolation from the world due to
societal pressures. However, Hester continued to help people in need, and eventually
the Scarlet Letter “had the effect of a cross”(99) and not only allowed Hester to own up
to her mistakes, but also proudly confess them to society, thereby setting her free. “In
that way, she might eventually purge her soul and achieve a new sort of purity”(36).
This is a great lesson that readers should be able to take from this novel. Having the
boldness to admit one’s imperfections to society is one of the basic forms of freedom.
The main controversies of this novel are the topics of adultery and religion. In
fact, the scarlet letter was a red capital A that represented the word “adulterer”. Many