Question

based on how the narrator presents the setting and characters in this novel, what inference can you make about hawthornes opinion of hester prynne? he agrees with the townspeople that hester is evil and should be punished. he believes that hester can be redeemed if she accepts responsibility for her mistake. he sympathizes with hester, not the townspeople. knowing that the novel was written 200 years after the fictionalized setting, what inference can you make about the societal values of the puritan age and hawthornes time? hester is an admirable protagonist in hawthornes time but is considered a sinner in her own time. hawthornes interpretation of hesters sin is the same as puritan values in the 1600s. societal values regarding sin did not change much between the puritan age and hawthornes time.

Explanation:

1. Through the narrator's portrayal, Hawthorne shows understanding and compassion for Hester, contrasting with the townspeople's harsh views.
2. The novel's context shows a shift in perception; Hester's actions are viewed differently in the 1600s (Puritan era) compared to Hawthorne's era, making her a more positive figure later.

Answer:

1. He sympathizes with Hester, not the townspeople.
2. Hester is an admirable protagonist in Hawthorne’s time but is considered a sinner in her own time