Final answer:
A common theme between The Crucible and The Scarlet Letter is the critique of Puritan society, highlighting the dangers of a strict moral code, public shaming, and hypocrisy.
Step-by-step explanation:
A common theme between The Crucible by Arthur Miller and The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is the critique of Puritan society. Both works explore the consequences of a strict moral code, the impact of public shaming, and the dangers of hypocrisy.
In The Crucible, the witch trials serve as an allegory for the anti-communist hysteria of the 1950s, while in The Scarlet Letter, the protagonist's struggle illustrates the harsh judgment and ostracism faced by those who break societal norms. Both narratives reveal the authors' concerns about the oppressive nature of their own societies through historical parallels.
Miller and Hawthorne use their characters and settings to show how individuals are often unfairly judged and punished for their transgressions. The protagonists suffer greatly due to the public's adherence to a rigid moral code, which is more concerned with maintaining appearances than administering true justice. This theme shines a light on the authors' message about the potential for self-destruction inherent in such a society.
Through their stories, Miller and Hawthorne convey a warning about society's capacity for cruelty and the importance of personal integrity and compassion in the face of widespread condemnation. Both works underscore the idea that when personal vendettas, fear, and extremism drive societal judgments, the very fabric of the community is at risk of unraveling.