Hypocrisy among Religion by Jamie

Nathaniel Hawthorne in “The Scarlet Letter” presents the point of hypocrisy that is portrayed by religious figures. In society today, not only religious figures try to portray a sense of purity, but politicians, actors, teachers, and any figure that is looked up to. The public is dependent upon the behaviors of these important figures as a symbolism of hope, change and goodness in oneself. However, things have changed since the Puritan age as far as forgiveness and second chances. These so called “private behaviors” are held in the public’s eye as a way of punishment. It is then up to the public to renounce the pressures of anguish if the individual acknowledge the wrongful deed that has been done, and in return lead by example. Hawthorne demonstrates the actions of a highly religious community that provides rejection rather than support and healing. Like Dimmesdale, religious figures are held in a position of trust among communities of faith. Hawthorne’s goal is to inform individuals that religious figures are human too, and that everyone makes mistakes no matter what rank they hold.
In the puritan community there is no such thing as forgiveness. In society today, sin is a necessary part of life. Mistakes are expected to be made in order to learn from them. Hawthorne illustrates the unforgiving nature of the community toward Hester in her sinful act. He proves hypocrisy when the townspeople violently scorn Hester when they state, “This woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die. Truly there is a law for it in Scripture and the statue book” (1380). It’s ironic how they call themselves a community of faith, but instead they promote and encourage cruelty and malicious segregation toward a once faithful member of their covenant. The townspeople did not even spare the taunting toward the innocent baby pearl. Even though it took an act of sin to create pearl, she is still the blessing of God. It seems as though this once religious community is more focused on themselves and the embarrassment this sinful act may have caused. Could it be their priorities of faith is confused? Or maybe they discover their own internal truths as a result of this sin.
Hawthorne reveals Dimmesdale as a cowardly man who lacks the courage to reveal his sinful act to the townspeople. The townspeople see him as an angel sent from God by stating, “When occasion was, with a freshness, and fragrance, and dewy purity of thought, which, as many people said, affected them like the speech of an angel” (1388). Hawthorne eludes the many truths of this closed-knit society that are blinded by their own faith. Hawthorne deeply expresses the realities of the corruption and hypocrisy faced throughout this story. This is conveyed when the burning of the scarlet letter pierces Hester’s heart whenever she came in contact with a villager who seemed to shy away from looking at the embroidered symbol. Hawthorne is trying to convey the untold truths of other people’s transgressions. Hester is not the only sinner in this religious community, but she is the scapegoat for many other sinners. The only difference is that she was strong enough to reveal her sins and suffer the consequences. Therefore; she is a true Christian woman who seeks repentance. Hawthorne reveals the many characteristics of jealousy, betrayal, revenge, and malicious gossip that are depicted in the puritan community.
Most people might interpret this story as an attack on society; However Hawthorne’s goal is to reveal the ugly truths about religious societies and there extreme code of ethics. The hypocrisy and corruption that underlies the ideals of religion stifles the individuality and can eat away at the soul, as expressed in the scarlet letter. Stay true to oneself and god, but don’t portray false devotion.



Works Cited
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. “The Scarlet Letter.” Norton Anthology of American Literature. Vol. B. Ed. Nina Baym. 7th ed. New York: Norton, 2007. 1352-1493.