Kyrie’s answer to “Is it worth my time ? i want to read.� > Likes and Comments
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I was also a bit disappointed by the book but for entirely different reasons. The point of the book (of course, my point of view) is that what they did shouldn't have been punished so severely. It's about society and how it changes, not about personal redemption. That's why the main character is seen as a respected woman at the end, somebody others ask for advice. Your focus seems to lay on religion and the individual, Hawthorne's on the functioning of society, the heritage of American past.
I agree with Katerina, the book isn't as much a book about religion as puritan society. I'd like to point out that Hester acknowledges her sin, shows remorse, accepts the consequences, and doesn't have an ongoing affair with the reverend, as well as trying to raise little Pearl to become a godly woman, better than herself. I don't understand what more you wanted from Hester... The reverend doesn't confess his sins explicitly to the masses, but he does seek forgiveness from God, taking it even a step further than need be (which is what was so wrong if you ask me) by punishing and tormenting himself. And once again, they do not continue to commit the sin they're supposed to be repenting. The thing that is worst about the reverend is his hiding Pearl's paternity. Hypocrisy is his great sin.
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Mar 22, 2016 11:12AM
I was also a bit disappointed by the book but for entirely different reasons. The point of the book (of course, my point of view) is that what they did shouldn't have been punished so severely. It's about society and how it changes, not about personal redemption. That's why the main character is seen as a respected woman at the end, somebody others ask for advice. Your focus seems to lay on religion and the individual, Hawthorne's on the functioning of society, the heritage of American past.
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I agree with Katerina, the book isn't as much a book about religion as puritan society. I'd like to point out that Hester acknowledges her sin, shows remorse, accepts the consequences, and doesn't have an ongoing affair with the reverend, as well as trying to raise little Pearl to become a godly woman, better than herself. I don't understand what more you wanted from Hester... The reverend doesn't confess his sins explicitly to the masses, but he does seek forgiveness from God, taking it even a step further than need be (which is what was so wrong if you ask me) by punishing and tormenting himself. And once again, they do not continue to commit the sin they're supposed to be repenting. The thing that is worst about the reverend is his hiding Pearl's paternity. Hypocrisy is his great sin.
