We Need a Standard

Having a fixed standard for punctuation is crucial in order to sustain comprehensive writing in an altering society. Consistent punctuation also provides communication through different generations. Some have said that “’tradition’ of long-established rules for grammar and punctuation is largely imagined, as these things have always been in flux” (Hitchings). That is one sole reason that a standard should be set in place, “because it [punctuation] clarifies meaning” (Hitchings). To continue, customary punctuation is an example of speech. Even if it goes unnoticed, we exemplify punctuation through pauses and altered tones.  For example, the usage of a semicolon portrays “catching your breath” (Thomas), so in a way changing typical punctuation goes against natural human nature. Usage of punctuation also creates an essence of sophistication. “It’s [punctuations] neglect appears to reflect wider social decline” (Hitchings). With a set of created rules, people in general will be able to lean away from becoming a deteriorating society. Writers can then add a sense of superiority and elegance to their literature, which creates a larger amount of respect and positive review.  Overall, “Punctuation is powerful” (Grammarly Cards), as well as essential to language.

Hawthorne Supports the Ladies

Many people have declared The Scarlet Letter to be a hidden feminist book due to the intense characteristics of Hester Prynn. From the beginning of the novel it is evident that Hester is a strong willed women with the capabilities of individually raising a child, which is a task that she has to endure. Also, the main male character, Dimmesdale, is illustrated as a weak, cowardice man. Although he is the most relate-able to human nature, I personally found his characteristics to be very unlikable. To begin with, he finds no capability to properly confess his sin to the public, so instead he watches his "love" interest become a secluded and unwanted figure in society. To continue, when he finally does confess about the adultery, he is on his death bed, which serves as a scape-goat to any public shame or tarnished reputation. These aspects of the novel clearly portray that femininity can overpower males and their lack of strength. This is even further emphasized when the aspect of Puritan society is put in place. The reason being, Puritans viewed males as strong and reliable, so they were given an exceptional amount of power. Although, Hawthorne creates a protagonist who depict "masculine power" in as a female figure. This ultimately shows Hawthorne's hidden support for the feminist movement, even if it was unintentional.

Are We All That Different?

Considering the intense amount of exposure we have had to the Puritan society, through evaluation of Puritan literature, I have begun to make a few comparisons with modern day. One aspect that has been continuously readdressed is the "evilness" of the Puritan beliefs. Specifically relating to "The Scarlet Letter", I have realized that with adultery not much has necessarily changed. For example, in the novel Hester Prynn is completely shunned from society, and labeled as a women who not only cheated on her husband but also had a child out of wedlock. The towns people negatively display her on a scaffold in the beginning of the novel, and create her as the center of hate and judgment. Although current consequences for adultery may not be as dire, they do contain a large relation. For instance, if a woman were to have cheated on her husband and become pregnant, like Hester, than many of her friends and family would be extraordinarily disappointed. Many friends would begin to ignore or just completely shut out this women from their lives. Also, this child would be negatively looked upon in a similar manner as Pearl. To continue, the husband of this women would most likely have a similar mindset as Chillingsworth, except for less unpleasant and creepy. The husband would probably file for a divorce, but he may also want to seek revenge on his wife's new "love" interest. So, I suppose the Puritans are not so "evil" with their reaction towards Hester considering they are almost the same in current day.