Puritanist Elements in The Scarlet LetterPuritanism was the religion practiced by the residents of colonial Boston, the setting of Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. It is because of the beliefs of the Puritan religion that Hester Prynne, the main character of The Scarlet Letter, is excluded from the community. Puritan ideals are often mentioned in the book. Although Hawthorne never clearly states his position on Puritanism, it seems clear that he approves of this religion. The story begins with Hester in prison for adultery. She is presented as a strong woman: she keeps her head held high and does not try to hide the letter. She resists her punishment, and neither she nor the spectators seem to suggest that she is being treated unfairly. It seems strange that everyone agrees on Hester's statement, since everyone rarely agrees on anything. Because Hawthorne never speaks directly to the reader about his own opinions, we must infer from the characters what he thinks. So, since Hester's punishment is tolerated by everyone, it must be assumed that...