"a people amongst whom religion and law were almost identical, and in whose character both were so thoroughly interfused, that the mildest and the severest acts of public discipline were alike made venerable and awful" (47)
Just as in Salem, Boston is structured as a theocracy. Religion and law were made one. This explains why the old women surrounding the jail sound so pious, especially when stating punishments from the Bible for Hester's acts. This quote also says any act against the religion or law of Boston, no matter the severity, would be punished harshly. This explains why Hester's punishment is ridiculous, having to where a letter on her gown to show she represented something wrong or unclean and having to stand before the public as a subject of ridicule or hate. Another interesting thing to mention was that the kids were given a half-day just to go see her stand in the marketplace before everyone.
"It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and enclosing her in a sphere by herself" (51)
The scarlet letter on Hester's grown was made brilliantly; its design and embroidery was exquisite. It definitely had the effect that the people wanted, for it showed that she was different. But Hester took advantage of her punishment by making her mark of uncleanliness look so beautiful. This could interpreted as Hester's own way of going against the people of Boston, getting back at them for her punishment.
"the town-beadle [...] represented in his aspect the whole dismal severity of the Puritanic code of law, which it was his business to administer in its final and closest application to the offender" (49)
The town-beadle is similar to Judge Danforth from The Crucible.
Questions:
1) Will the old women try to rid Hester of her beautifully-made letter?
2) Will Hester be forgiven?
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