The Scarlet Letter- Entry 2 (Chapter 5) (Rant)

Chapter 5 :

Hester Prynne had finally been released from captivity, only to be haunted by her own personal shame for as long as she lived. Believe it or not, as exaggerated as this entire situation is, the punishment is very suitable, especially for the time period, since the time period is a harsh one. After all, some of the most vicious attacks to one's self-esteem comes from one's self.
As predicted, she was no longer seen the same way within society. She was now a woman who had made a foolish mistake, one who had fallen for the temptations of the serpent, the perfect example of who not to be like. She had gained what people of the modern day would call a "soiled reputation". Everyone knew who the bearer of the scarlet letter was, and if one was not aware, he or she would easily understand the fornication and other ungodly actions associated with the embroidered letter, and, therefore, judge her along with the others. This is where I have a personal disagreement with Puritanism itself. I am constantly bothered by their endless need to judge and criticize others. Why would they do such things? Did they truly believe this was the right thing to do, or would they judge others only to mask their own faults? If the latter is the case, then I am having trouble coming to terms with the fact that this religion was actually seen as valid at one point. And judging was welcomed into society, encouraged. They embroidered a visible mark upon the woman's attire, for her to wear for the rest of her life, so people will know to condemn her upon sight. This society called it a punishment, but I believe it is much more than that. Perhaps, it was an excuse to be a hypocrite? (It's not a sin if you don't get caught, right?)
Of course, Hester Prynne is a strong woman and refuses to show her true emotions, shame and pity for her child and family. She feels she wronged them, but she also feels her punishment is unfair. In reference to "The Minister's Black Veil", on every visage she sees a black veil. An ideal quote for this reference would be, "...if truth were everywhere to be shown, a scarlet letter would blaze forth on many a bosom besides Hester Prynne's?" (Hawthorne 84). The similarities are highly evident.
All judgment and criticism aside, Prynne continues to do needlework in a secluded cottage on the outskirts of the town. Ironically, the people who wear her designs are the same ones who judge her so harshly. They have obviously never paid acknowledgment to the saying, "Do not bite the hand that feeds you." Of course, they seem not to care because...Puritanism. (Was Cinderella written in these times?)
Throughout her turmoil, Hester again questions the fairness of the situation. "Has Hester sinned alone?" (Hawthorne 83). No, Hester, no you haven't. This kind of sin requires at least two people *wink wink*. However, this is still her slightly her fault as she never reveals the identity of the man involved for unknown reasons.
I find myself growing more and more intolerable of the Puritan ways of life from the unnecessarily unjust punishment to the dumb not-so-intelligent act of taking on everyone's burdens for NO REASON unknown reasons. Hopefully, her excuse for hiding Culprit #2's identity will be a good one.