Conformity In The Scarlet Letter - 1636 Words

Societies build rules to help individuals, but they often harm or repress the individual instead. People face the frustration of having their persona and very identity stifled by the laws society expects them to support. Because obeying these rigid rules results in miserable conformity and a lack of self-expression, they must choose between following the law or staying true to themselves. Challenging society instead of following it blindly reveals greatness within a person; it takes true strength to resist the lifestyle and laws followed by everyone. One perfect example of this inflexibility can be seen in the fundamental ideology of Puritan society. In his novel The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne address this dilemma and his attitude†¦show more content†¦Through the characterization of the beadle as a man with an aura of misery, Hawthorne illustrates the â€Å"dismal severity† of Puritan society and the lives it creates for those who follow its policies. With its mu ltitudes of rules, punishment and humiliation naturally manifest as the â€Å"business† of Puritan society; instead of focusing on helping others, the Puritans spend all their time trying to condemn anyone who can fill the ever-present role of the â€Å"offender,† who they then subject to their harsh penalties for daring to step out of line. Hawthorne characterizes the beadle as the primary enforcer of these rules, dominating and draining the pleasure from their lives. However, Hawthorne characterizes Hester as an exception to the obedient Puritan citizens. When the beadle pulls Hester out of the jail, â€Å"she repelled him, by an action marked with natural dignity and force of character, and stepped into the open air, as if by her own free will† (Hawthorne 50). By â€Å"repell[ing]† the beadle, Hester resists Puritan society as a whole, choosing instead to follow â€Å"her own free will† rather than the laws and customs of society. Instead o f choosing to suppress her individuality, she chooses the most â€Å"natural† option when she refused to have Puritan society control her actions. But despite her insubordination, Hester has â€Å"dignity†: her actions do not strip her of her grace, rather they amplify it. By characterizing Hester as someone with â€Å"force of character,† HawthorneShow MoreRelatedConformity : The Scarlet Letter And The Awakening1268 Words   |  6 PagesConformity is an action in accord with prevailing social standards, attitudes, or practices. It is has the capability to cause unwanted pressure or social influence on a person. Even though people would like to see themselves as individuals, they have the need to fit into society’s â€Å"norms.† Throughout the two novels, â€Å"The Scarlet Letter† and â€Å"The Awakening,† the theme of going against conformity is present between the main characters and their respective society. 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