#42
Little accumstomed, in her long seclusion from society, to measure her ideas of right and wrong by any standard external to herself, Hester saw-- or seemed to see-- that there lay a responsibility upon her, in reference to the clergyman, which she owed to no other, nor to the whole world besides.
Hester's long seclusion from society is very similar to Thoreau's except he didn't have a child with him in a small semi-rural cottage. She is also following her own beliefs by taking time to measure right and wrong which is frowned upon by her previous religion. Hester feels the need to take care of Dimmesdale which is a little strange since he is the father that walked out on them. Perhaps she feels that pity, mercy more like it, should be taken on Dimmesdale and gives him the comfort that he is in much need of.
This is an interesting connection with Thoreau.
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