Final answer:
Kingston's mother told her that committing adultery is equivalent to hurting the laws and defying societal expectations similar to parental betrayal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The context of adultery throughout history is fraught with severe consequences, varying from societal shaming to legal punishment. In various cultures, committing adultery was equivalent to hurting the laws, essentially seen as betrayal or defiance of the societal or legal expectations which were meant to nurture and guide citizens — similar to defying one's parents. Moreover, in some societies, the punishment for adultery could be as drastic as death, showcasing the gravity of the act and the importance placed on marital fidelity.
Historical texts often reference the dire consequences that followed adultery. For example, the severe treatments towards women accused of such transgressions highlight the patriarchal nature of these punishments. Additionally, the expectation for a woman to prove her innocence by risking her life, or the edicts allowing the extreme measure of executing both involved parties, underscores the societal desire to control and penalize this behavior.
In literature, references to adultery often illustrate people's struggles with moral and ethical dilemmas. It also examines the personal and societal conflicts that arise from these situations, including loss of honor and the risk to one's soul, further emphasizing the perceived severity of adultery.