"Hawthorne uses the symbol of the scarlet letter in his three main characters to criticize the puritan world and to question whether their beliefs and punishments are justified."

The book was not just an observation, but a criticism of their beliefs.

Points out that women were mistreated by church rules

Mocks the church by making Dimmesdale, the minister, frail and weak minded

Scarlet Letter was beautifully made

Makes the church seem like the villain

Townspeople Want Hester dead

Pearl was a good kid

In summary Hawthorne uses the scarlet letter to show moral failings of the Puritan church.