Breaking Society’s Rules :: Essays Papers

Breaking Societys Rules American literature often examines population and motives. In Nathaniel Hawthornes novel, The Scarlet Letter, and in Arthur Millers dramatic classic, The Crucible, people and motives often depict patterns of Puritans struggling for life during a precarious time. offense and shame can tear a persons soul away. The inevitable consequence of sin is the immediate reaction of guilt, shame, and remorse. For example prat Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, and Reverend Dimmesdale have totally committed a sin or sins and are feeling extremely guilty about it. They want to be forgiven, but they have no specialness and are cowards. Forgiveness can only be obtained when these characters find the strength within themselves to speak the truth. The first to commit a sin is John Proctor, the preserve of Elizabeth Proctor. John is a good man until Abigail Williams comes into his life. John lives in a house feeling empty and thinki ng his wife does not love him. lecherousness is a very powerful feeling, and it tempts John right into bed with Abigail. Unfortunately once he commits adultery, Elizabeth does not forgive him. She finds ways to punish John and buzz off him feel more remorseful. For example, Reverend Hale asks John to recite the commandments, and he forgets one, Elizabeth then says sarcastically, Adultery, John. Elizabeth responds in such a manner that John feels overwhelming incommode in his heart. Naturally, Elizabeth feels guilty as well. She tells John, I have sins of my own to count. It needs a cold wife to prompt lechery. Elizabeth feels as though she is to blame for John committing adultery. She is a mother and, of course, Elizabeth will be consumed with taking care of their children, cooking, cleaning, etc. At first, Elizabeth does not recognize John pulling away from her and turning towards Abigail. shortly after Elizabeth finds out John committed adultery with Abby, sh e fires her. Later on in the novel Elizabeth is accused of being a witch and John goes to accost to prove Abigail is lying.