Because the transandentalists were humanists and believed that they could live life in a communist "type" community with themselves as God. The Puritans on the other hand lived there life for God and in a system where each house hold was dependent upon working in a capitalist type system. The Bible says,"If you don't work you don't eat." This was part of their philosophy as well. In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne was not looking particularly favorably on the Puritan way of life in some respects, making it look cold and harsh. Hawthorne had been part of this transcendentalist's"communist" type society for only about a year. He quickly found out that even though he paid his part to be part of the society, not EVERYBODY there had the same intentions he had "to work hard for the good of the society."
At least, I'm quite sure about this.
The Puritans in "The Scarlet Letter" emphasized strict adherence to religious doctrine and societal norms, while the Transcendentalists advocated for individualism, intuition, and connection with nature. This clash is reflected in the characters of Hester Prynne, who challenges Puritan beliefs through her resilience and independence, and Reverend Dimmesdale, who struggles with his inner conflict between Puritan ideals and Transcendentalist principles.
Hester is a Puritan in The Scarlet Letter. The novel is set in the Puritan society of 17th-century Massachusetts, and Hester's actions and beliefs are influenced by the strict religious beliefs of the Puritans.
The book itself takes place in New England, which is where Puritans migrated to. Therefore, the people are highly religious Christians, and heavy punishment is given to anyone that breaks the beliefs of the Bible.
Nathaniel HawthorneParticularly in The Scarlet Letter
Arthur Miller The Scarlet Letter
Upon arriving at the new colony in "The Scarlet Letter," the Puritans built a jail and a cemetery. These structures reflected the strict and unforgiving nature of the Puritan society portrayed in the novel.
Religion affects the law directly.
They never did. Everything I have read about them points to their following the dictates of their religion to the letter.
An example could be when the puritan townspeople judge Hester and outcast her for the sin that she committed.
In "The Scarlet Letter," Nathaniel Hawthorne portrays the Puritans as restrictive and judgmental, with a strict adherence to religious doctrine that leads to hypocrisy and intolerance. He criticizes their narrow-mindedness and lack of empathy, suggesting that their rigid beliefs and harsh punishments can lead to suffering and injustice.
The narrator's most well-known ancestors in The Scarlet Letter are the Puritans who settled in Massachusetts in the 17th century. They played a significant role in shaping the strict moral and religious environment depicted in the novel.
The letter A was the letter for the scarlet letter.
The letter on the chest of Hester Prynne's dress is a scarlet letter A. A for adultery.