Hester Prynne And John Proctor Essay

Words: 630
Pages: 3

Both John Proctor and Hester Prynne share similar character traits and an outspoken nature. They resided in a time that placed religious devotion on the highest pedestal and rejected any ways of thought that did not comply with biblical standards. Church and Law were one in the same during the 16th through 18th centuries and finally gained a separation during the 19th century. While John and Hester do share similar traits, their views on Christianity, sin , and loyalty differ greatly from one another.
Hester’s views of love and sexuality were met with shame and disgust. Modesty was a quintessential characteristic of women of the time. She defied these standards and showed off what set her apart from everyone, what was meant as a punishment for her, she wore with an ostentatious grace. John possesses a strong personality that greatly contradicts the time he lives in. Then, men were supposed to be humble and hardworking. Although John Proctor held these traits, his unfaithful tendencies, temper, and
…show more content…
He truly loved his wife, and his internal suffering is seen clearly throughout the text, Hester also loved Reverend Dimmsdale. So much so that even though he did not stand with her and confess she defended him from Chillingworth’s efforts at retribution. Also, she would not reveal his name no matter how hard government and church officials pressed. Hester regretted her sin but instead of confessing who her fellow sinner was, chose to bear the burden of sin alone in the form of the red, capitalized letter “A” upon her chest. Hester, much like John sees her sin as a shame she has to carry each day,. But Hester is constantly reminded of fit in the forms of her peculiar daughter Pearl and the scarlet “A”. John, however is reminded of his sin only upon seeing Abigal or when his wife recounts his