Beloved Preacher: Double Life??

I believe I speak for our entire settlement when I say that we could not have guessed that the man partly responsible for Hester Prynne's discretion would be our very own Reverend Dimmesdale. We at the Puritan Times are in a state of shock over the news. Not only did we find out a great truth this afternoon, but almost immediately after the revelation the Reverend collapsed and was found to be dead. It was as if God had willed his life away at that very moment. In hindsight, it should be duly noted that the Reverend's sermons had become increasingly emotional and passionate, most likely in response to the burden of the guilt on his soul. A few witnesses also reported seeing an 'A' branded on his chest, however others say that nothing was there at all. And so, as dramatic as Hester Prynne's situation begun, it was nothing compared to its end.

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Pearl: Devil Spawn?

Something strange lives within Hester Prynne's daughter Pearl. She possesses specific traits that seem to suggest she is connected to the darkest aspects of humanity. She has a cunning smirk that leads many of us women to believe that she must be a direct descendant of Lucifer himself, or maybe a lesser demon. The child has grown to be too curious for her own good, always asking questions at untimely moments and about subjects she should be well versed in. She acts in unpredictable ways and  we feel that because of her parentage she is not being taught the proper Puritan values. We worry that Hester is corrupting the child's soul, if it is not already corrupt. The way she is dressed in lavish clothes is directly disrespecting our culture and what we have worked so hard to overcome. it shows vanity and narcissism. She disregards social norms by acting as if she is a wicked sprite, the troublesome creature of myth. Her temperament when interacting with other children and adults shows a lack of discipline that needs to be addressed by the highest officials. if we a s a society do not act quickly Pearl may very well end up just like her mother, a disgrace.

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Who Done It?

Who is the father? Although most don't want to admit it, the question has been on everyone's mind ever since Hester began showing signs of her pregnancy. She still to this day has not spoken about or shown any indication about who the father might be. She and that young girl of hers live secluded in the forest, away from most people, presumably to avoid any type of interaction as much as possible. if the father is still around, which is possible yet idiotic, then he has done a superb job of hiding his sin and blending in among the other men of the settlement. Although, because no man has claimed the child as of yet and the mystery is still unsolved, it has caused a great stir. many find themselves questioning whether or not it is possible that the men in their lives could be guilty and therefore the second half of the devils coin. Distrust is growing to be more common. I will say this --  if the man who is responsible for fathering this bastard child does become remorseful and decides to expose himself holding himself accountable, there will great peace of mind within the settlement. Also depending on who this man is, many will condemn him. regardless, the settlement will never allow him to remain within it and he will most likely be banish to another town, up north presumably.  The only reason Hester is still a part of the fringe of society is because the leaders took pity on her. Foolish men.

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Hester Prynne: Public enemy Number One

Hester Prynne has questionable morals. Far more than questionable actually. To have had a child out of wedlock and choose not to identify the father? Despicable. She thinks that because she assumes that she's protecting him that she is brave and courageous. Well guess what honey, you're not. She stood in front of the settlement with her demon child with a smug look on her face like she knew something the rest of us didn't. The leaders should have locked her up for life. She is not only a disgrace to our town but to all the women who abide by the laws and God given rules. If anyone in this town was going to Hell I would bet my best candle sticks that she would meet the devil himself on judgement day. She even disrespects the core teachings of our church with her extravagant clothes. The Scarlet Letter 'A' that will brand her for life is made of bright red and gold string. She calls attention to herself even in the most humiliating situations.The fact that she stood for hours (exposed for the sinner that she is) and she still reeked of defiance and showed no sign of regret is appalling. Personally, I'm interested in in seeing how the Lord punishes Hester for her sins and if she's lucky, gives her the opportunity to repent and move back into the warm graces of God.

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