Scarlet Letter # 2

"'But in their great mercy and tenderness of heart, they have doomed Mistress Prynne to stand only a space of three hours on the platform of the pillory, and then and thereafter, for the remainder of her natural life, to wear a mask of shame upon her bosom'"(Hawthorne 59).

I cannot recall every seeing the terms "mercy" and "doomed" in the same sentence. It is very interesting how this society works. It seems they consider the fact that Hester's adultery may not have been her own decision, but still find her just as guilty of the crime as someone willing to cheat on their spouse. The terms of Hester's sentence are also explained here. It makes sense that all in town would have to know her to be a sinner for this punishment to work, but it makes me wonder what would happen if an outsider who was completely ignorant to the customs of this society were to see Hester. Without knowledge of that meaning behind the Scarlet Letter, they would most likely look at Hester as a regular human being. However, word spreads quickly in this town, so it is unlikely that anyone would remain ignorant of Hester's crime for too long. It is also a shame that Hester's innocent child will probably be looked at with contempt from everyone else.

"'She will not speak!' murmured Mr. Dimmesdale, who, leaning over the balcony, with his hand upon his heart, had awaited the result of his appeal. He now drew back, with a long respiration. 'Wondrous strength and generosity of a woman's heart! She will not speak!' (64).

This strengthens my suspicion of Reverend Dimmesdale being the the father of Hester's child. It is unlikely that a reverend of those times would rejoice over Hester's insubordination unless they could be saved by it. Dimmesdale seems more selfish than I originally thought he would be. He seems content with letting his lover suffer as long as he gets off scot-free. However, I will not jump to any conclusions. Perhaps his excitement was merely caused by Hester's surprising act of keeping quiet, and he will feel worry for her later. Either way, Dimmesdale is a lot different than the reverends of those times. Only time will tell whether he is better or worse.