Crimes and Punishments in Puritan Society

Questions and Answers

Name 3 crimes and the punishments that the Puritans might witness.

Whooping post, blaspheme, and hanging.

What is the relationship between the religion and law in Puritan New England?

They are pretty much the same.

Describe the Puritan women.

Manly and large.

What punishment would the Puritan women have given Hester Prynne if it were left to them?

Scalded with a hot iron on her forehead to mark her as a 'hussy', an immoral woman. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the appearance of Hester Prynne.

Beautiful; tall; long black hair; and black eyes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hester's sin and punishment?

Adultery; to wear an embroidered letter 'A' to mark her with a badge of shame. Signup and view all the answers

What is astonishing about the 'A' on her bodice?

Beautifully elaborately embroidered with gold thread. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Hester taken to the scaffold in the marketplace?

To publicly put her to shame in front of the townspeople. Signup and view all the answers

What things does Hester think about while she is on the scaffold?

Childhood, parents, a man with a deformed shoulder, and her new life. Signup and view all the answers

How old is her baby?

3 months old. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Punishments and Crimes in Puritan Society

Common crimes included blasphemy, whooping, and adultery, each with severe punishments.
Blasphemy could lead to hanging, showcasing the strict religious adherence within the community.

Relationship Between Religion and Law

In Puritan New England, religion and law were intertwined, often seen as one and the same.

Description of Puritan Women

Puritan women were typically described as large and manly figures, reflecting societal standards of strength.

Punishments for Hester Prynne

If left to Puritan women, Hester Prynne would face a punishment of being scalded with a hot iron on her forehead, branding her as a "hussy" or immoral woman.

Hester Prynne’s Appearance

Hester is depicted as tall and beautiful with long black hair and striking black eyes.

Hester's Sin and Its Consequences

Hester's sin is adultery, for which she is condemned to wear an elaborately embroidered letter "A" symbolizing her shame.

The "A" on Hester’s Bodice

The letter "A" is notable for its beautiful, intricate embroidery with gold thread, contrasting with its intended stigma.

Public Shaming on the Scaffold

Hester is brought to the scaffold in the marketplace to be publicly shamed, emphasizing communal judgment.

Hester's Reflection on the Scaffold

While on the scaffold, Hester contemplates her childhood, parents, a man with a deformed shoulder, and the future life she must now face.

Age of Hester’s Baby

Hester's baby is three months old, born out of wedlock, further complicating her situation in the Puritan community.

Description

Explore the strict societal norms and punishments in Puritan New England through this quiz. Delve into the relationship between religion and law, and understand the consequences faced by individuals like Hester Prynne. Discover how these elements shaped the lives of Puritan women and the community.