The Scarlet Letter, Chapters 1 and 2

     Hawthrone chooses to start Chapter 1 at a prison-door so it can set the mood of this very somber story. The crowd is disgusted by Hester's actions, which is why Hester's punishment and the crowd's reaction tell us that the Puritans valued loyalty, respect, and strictly followed the Bible. Hawtthrone's depiction of Hester conflicts with these values and this setting because Hester is demeanor is very neutral and she doesn't seem too effected by what's happening; if anything she looks almost proud of this punishment. Chapters 1 and 2 of Scarlet Letter were so amazing and I can't wait to continue reading it.

"Perhaps you should embroider an 'A' on your wardrobe."

     

Hester Prynne, taking her label as an adulterer in silence.

Olive Penderghast proudly showing off her A in hopes of people noticing her and her bad reputation.

     The Scarlet Letter had always sounded like an intriguing book but I never knew just how in-depth it went into how the people that were governed by Puritans lived. Reading this background makes me even more anxious to find out what brought Hester to committing adultery and how she deals with it. From this background, I can tell that the book and the 21st century remake of it (Easy A) are similar yet different and hopefully, I'll be able to spot the differences along my journey of reading this incredible story.