Paradox of Puritan Society

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Ryan Jalernpan English III Honors Williams November 16, 2012 The Paradox of the Puritan Society Committing a sin is never an easy thing to live with. Whether it be adultery, betrayal or something else, the consequences society puts on the sinner is extremely hard to live with. This idea of society judging an individuals every mood isn’t more extreme than in the Puritan society. Being that the nature of the Puritan society is extremely judgmental in The Crucible and The Scarlett Letter, it is very difficult for someone who has done wrong to be accepted and to live an honest life. The Puritans were a group of English Protestants that developed in the early 16th century. Many may not know that the term "Puritan" was coined in the 1560s, when it appeared as a term of abuse for those who found the Elizabethan Religious Settlement of 1559 inadequate. Many people know that puritans were extremists. When comparing to modern day, they take everything more serious. The Puritans has a respect and a passion for the bible. When one did wrong, the Puritans made sure it didn’t affect society. Consequences of sin varied depending on the sin that was committed. These consequences included physical punishment and sometimes death. Many Puritans believe that extermination for society was the only way to cure said sinner and to “save” the society. In the Crucible by Arthur miller, John Proctor the main antagonists faces the wrath of the town of Salem. When he first discovers that his daughter may be under the influence of witchcraft, he immediately takes charge. In the Scarlett Letter by David Hawthorne, society changes the main character of Hester Prynne completely. After committing adultery, she must then face the consequences that society has in store for her. The final outcome was a Scarlett letter “A” on her chest. This paradox is that the Puritans stigmatize her with the
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