The following excerpt is taken from The Scarlet Letter. The

Last updated: 7/29/2022

The following excerpt is taken from The Scarlet Letter. The narrator describes Dimmesdale's attitude toward the people around him. "Trusting no man as his friend, he could not recognize his enemy when the latter actually appeared." What can you infer on comparing Mr. Dimmesdale's behavior with the social norms of the Puritan society? The strict social norms have made people sin and hide information to avoid punishments. People started to distrust everybody that they can avold punishments. People started to focus on God so that they can lead a righteous life. Strict social norms have helped people recognize their enemies and punish them.