Puritanism in The Crucible and The Scarlet Letter Essay Example

The middle ground when it comes to punishment is a hotly debated topic that often divides opinion. Many people claim that their traditions and beliefs provide better options for making criminals hold themselves accountable by requiring them to change their behaviors. However, different cultures have different ways of handling a broken moral code. Some alternatives in making offenders be held accountable could be seen to be too harsh and some are seen to be too lenient. The Puritans’ approach to punishment is vastly different from that of the Americans. Many people believe that the Puritans’ method of punishment is too harsh, while the American method is too lenient. Puritans need to provide accurate and honest information before making a legitimate decision on someone’s action, rather than punishing people based on others’ claims. To promote integrity and encourage Americans to take responsibility for their actions, America’s punishment should make one feel guilty. 

Firstly, let's take a look at the Puritan’s way of punishment in The Crucible. The Crucible is a novel written by Arthur Miller, known today for its theme of harsh punishment. This novel depicts John Proctor, whose adultery led to his downfall of being sentenced to death by hanging. Like John Proctor, many were also accused of witchcraft and were immediately executed despite their integrity as spectral evidence was prohibited. The defendant was automatically mistaken for a witch and hanged without evidence of violating moral norms. Puritans need to provide accurate and honest information before harsh actions are done. Puritans need to investigate and attempt to resolve complaints about citizens whose behavior may violate moral norms. Puritans should act professionally and the evidence for each wrongful action should be reviewed before any punishment is taken. Without accurate information and evidence, the Salem Witch Trials cost many lives. Puritans should have seen real evidence to better deal with those who violated moral norms. If the Puritans had been looking for evidence from the beginning, many lives would not have been taken easily. 

In addition, in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter, Puritans punished those who sinned by having them wear the letter “A” for the rest of their lives. Hester Prynne, who committed adultery, had to wear the letter “A” for the rest of her life. This humiliated her publicly and she was also required to stand on a scaffold for three hours. Americans should make people who break moral norms wear something like Hester to make them responsible for their actions. If they feel guilty and realize they’re wrong, they should be able to stop wearing it. This would promote integrity and encourage people to take responsibility for their misconduct. Those who violate moral norms in the United States should be publicly shamed so that they can admit their wrongdoings and accept their responsibility at all costs. 

In conclusion, Puritans must provide accurate and honest information before making legitimate decisions about one’s behavior, rather than punishing others based on others’ claims. American punishment should make people feel guilty to promote integrity and encourage Americans to take responsibility for their actions. Both the Puritans and Americans should have people decide whether the reasons for breaking the moral code led to their fall. If it did, they should decide whether or not they should change the way they behave.