Modern Puritans
I think that there are several ways we can see examples of Puritan culture in our modern society. Even though the values and ideas of the Puritans way seem extreme, or outdated the core of these beliefs can still be found in our culture. One way the Puritan beliefs live on in modern times are groups like the Amish. These people have strict religous beliefs and codes of conduct. They are very minimalistic in the way they dress and are not at all materialistic, like the Puritans. The Amish culture is very religiously based, and the rules they follow are governed by their religion. This is something that is shown in the society in "The Scarlet Letter", the laws and rules are based off the ten commandments. Apart from religion and theocracy, there are also other examples of Puritan beliefs in modern society. One of the most important factors of Puritan culture, as well as other theocracies, is conformity. I think everyone today, especially teenagers, can relate to this aspect of Puritan belief. There is always pressure to fit in, whether it be in school, with your family, or in your community. It's human nature to want to belong to a group and fit in with your peers, this human quality is something that exists in any society or time period. Even though the consequences for nonconformity were much more extreme in Puritan societies, people can still be looked down upon or deemed outcasts if they choose not to follow their community's social norms, like Hester in "The Scarlet Letter."