Sin. ... Despite how severe it was sin is sin, Puritanism is best described as a religion with strict rules, which punished all sin because of the different branches that it could affect in the colony. ... Puritans dismissed themselves from the traditional confinements and formalities of Christianity, which had been building throughout the past 1500 years. ... The main philosophy that was proposed was that Man should not sin, but his sinning was inevitable. ... The generational curse was sin that carried itself through every bloodline and every race. ...

• Word Count: 1501
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

In response, the reverend says, "Thou, too, hast deeply sinned! ... He looks past the reason for her situation and recognizes the good in the adulteress. ... It literally symbolizes adultery, sin, and Hester's struggle to gain self-worth and pride. ... At the end, when many claim that they see it on Dimmesdale's chest, the letter becomes a representation of his sin. ... The scaffold scenes are most important, as it represents the harshness of the Puritan society and the atonement for sin. ...

• Word Count: 1296
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

She also tells Proctor that he "takes [her] sins upon [him]" (137).  Even though Proctor insists that the sins are his blame, she tries to persuade and help him to redeem himself. ... When the seed of forgiveness flowers, the chains of reputation dissipate and save Proctor from his sins. ... " (140) He opposes mentioning names because he can only "speak [his] own sins; [he] cannot judge another" (141). When John Proctor relieves himself from the guilt of his past sins, he is able to recognize the power of individualism and self-worth, which gives him the courage to ...

• Word Count: 1588
• Approx Pages: 6