Hawthornes Puritanical Beliefs Revealed in The Scarlett...

Hawthornes Puritanical Beliefs Revealed in The Scarlett Letter and Young Goodman Brown When an author depicts a person or group of people in his or her work, the opinion of the writer most often sifts into the descriptions, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Some writers are very guarded regarding their feelings toward any particular subject, while others are very open and happy to share. Nathaniel Hawthorne belongs to the latter group. The purpose of the majority of his literary work was to share his view of the group of strict Christians known as the Puritans. Hawthorne himself was a direct descendent of Puritans, and he obviously held very particular views of his ancestors. These views are clearly demonstrated in his works†¦show more content†¦Is there not law for it? Truly there is, both in the Scripture and the statute book....(1333). E. A. Duyckinck says that Hawthorne has...in this volume, great feeling and discrimination, which is exactly what the reader sees concerning his views on unfair judgement. By the harsh language of the women, he clearl y demonstrates the opinion that he has consumed a large part of his writing subject matter. The women speak of the Scripture and its laws, yet completely ignore many different passages of the same Scripture that specifically command Christians to refrain from judging each other. This is the same hypocrisy that ran through the entire strain of Puritan society. The Scripture also says in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God... This is another well quoted verse of Scripture. Hawthorne kills two birds with one stone as he brings the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale to appeal to Hester in a public attempt toward a break in secrecy. Dimmesdale says to her, as the rest of the town looks on, ...I charge thee to speak out the name of thy fellow-sinner and fellow sufferer! (1342). Hawthorne not only shows the hypocrisy of Dimmesdale, as he is in fact that