The Scarlet Letter
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The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Alessandro Vidaurrazaga
Essential question:
How does hypocrisy amplify suffering?
Suzanne Dovi’s “Response to Isaac” uses Indiana political professor Jeffrey C. Isaac’s stance on the matter as an example of how political hypocrisy can “perpetuate human suffering” (Dovi 1).
Dovi argues that a hypocritical sexist would internally hate women, yet “boast about the number of women he’s hired” (Dovi 1).
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Similarly, the Puritan government of colonial Massachusetts also exhibits political hypocrisy. Presenting themselves as strict adherents to biblical law, they ostracize sinners while hiding their secret sin.
Reverend Dimmesdale, a minister, is the prime example of political hypocrisy in Puritan society. He presents himself as a sinless minister obeying God, yet he hides his own secret sin of adultery.
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Dovi also argues that political hypocrisy, if condemned, has dangers “lying in its indirect costs and institutional legacies” (Dovi 1).
She also notes that public officials will “err into self-congratulation and downplay those dangers” (Dovi 1). Feeding into political pressure, they will not speak out about issues arising from their own side.
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Additionally, Governor Bellingham has a very anti-extravagance attitude. However, he himself lives a life of luxury. In addition to his Puritan hypocrisy, his sister was Mistress Hibbins, a woman accused of being a witch.
Sadly, political hypocrisy is still prevalent in today’s American society. While not as on-the-nose with its religious motivation, there are many parallels with today’s government and the Puritanical society of “The Scarlet Letter”.
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