“The Crucible” by Arthur Miller and “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The readings of “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller and “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the pieces of literature are initially set in a time period in early America, both bring about two characters that seemingly share a similar situation, views, and behaviors that deeply affects their feelings, and emotions that relentlessly purge them in their overall fate, decisions, and final destiny in their lives.

Upon blatant reviewing, both books, review the themes of sin, punishment, evil, and how these ideas not only affect their lives but, of everyone else they know and love. These characters also committed the same crime, which is known as adultery, this crime, at the time being, was in both scenarios, deeply looked down upon, that in both communities, Hester Prynne, as she’s identified, is held accountable by wearing a scarlet “A” (Hawthorne 6) and the other one, John Proctor, is victimized of having relations with a woman, Abigail Williams whose made an infamous reputation, for its pact with an evil force. Next, as we can infer from further analyzing each novel, both characters share a trait of guilt, and how they attempt to redeem themselves. For the most part, Hester understands the guilt in carrying the letter on every one of her garments, and doesn’t confess the father’s name, instead not only does she refuse for consideration of Dimmesdale’s position as a priest, she even replies “Never … I will not speak ..” (Chapter 3, pg 98) Similarly, John puts down his reputation to stop the trial, and save his beloved family.“ Excellency, forgive me, forgive me…. She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave! And well she might, for I thought of her softly. God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. (Act 3, pg 102)

To contrast, we can infer within both novels, that in Hester’s novel, there’s a more gradual increment within the plot, as it reaches the climax of the novel, whereas, in Proctor’s case, the awe in the novel comes during Proctor’s trial, where he puts down his reputation for his family. Not only does the novel turn at that point, but, it also bewilders and dumbfounds others like Danforth. “In—in what time? In what place? … his voice about to break, and his shame great: In the proper place—where my beasts are bedded. On the last night of my joy, some eight months past. She used to serve me in my house, sir…” (Act 3, pg 102)

Ultimately, the future fate of both characters would be death itself. Nonetheless, both characters have shown an enduring loyalty towards their loved ones, which not only tells us the reader, a quality they share, but also, an effort they’ve made to try and redeem themselves, even if perhaps their course of action wasn’t a correct one, it is quite an admirable trait on their behalf, considering that their course of action could’ve gone differently, and that they would’ve let their ego take control and put others who are innocent, in danger.