Why isn't forgiveness an option in the scarlet letter according to Anti-transcendentalists?

Answer 1

forgiveness isnt an answer because the sin that was commited was committed outside of societys mores. This sin went so greatly out of scoietys "norm" that frogiveness wasnt an option.

Answer 2

Anti-transcendentalists believed in the inherent sinfulness and darkness of human nature, which can't be easily overcome by forgiveness. They viewed sin as a fundamental part of the human condition, so forgiveness was not seen as a sufficient or realistic solution to the moral complexities and consequences depicted in "The Scarlet Letter." Instead, they emphasized the inevitability of suffering and the harsh consequences of sin.