These chapters also show the reader that the society is depicting the political reality of Hester's World, the Puritan society. The Puritans intended to create a "Utopian" society, but it can be seen in these chapters that this world already knows sin. The women of the town criticize her for embroidering the scarlet letter, the symbol of her shame, with such care and in such a flashy manner. ... Chapter five deals with one of the major questions of the book: why does Hester choose to stay in Boston when she is free to leave? ... Each time Hester watches or talks to Pearl, she is remind...

• Word Count: 295
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: High School

The Scarlet letter deals with guilt, fervor, and hypocrisy in a tough Puritan society. ... The narrator points out in the novel's last chapter, both emotions depend upon "a high degree of intimacy and heart-knowledge; each renders one individual dependent upon another." ... The scarlet letter has a similar theme. ... we know why hester wears the scarlet letter. ... The Scarlet Letter is focalized through Hester, and sometimes dimmesdale. ...

• Word Count: 471
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter", life is centered around a rigid, pure society in which one is unable to show his or her deepest thoughts and secrets. ... We felt it ,We said to each other!"... But, for people in the Puritan way of life in which Hester and Dimmesdale lived, it would be impossible for them to comfort each other. ... (p. 187) If we look at the title of this chapter, the meaning becomes much clearer. ... We recognize her as the Hester from chapter 1. ...

• Word Count: 1015
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School