In today's society, women committing adultery are not judged as austerely as Hester Prynne was in the 17th century. Adultery isn't looked upon as something terribly sinful anymore. In Hester's time, women were held to a higher level of morality. Now, morals aren't as imperative. The government is only concerned with whether you pay your taxes. Also, to be civilized the government supports the outcome of adultery. By doing this, the government is saying adultery is acceptable.

Pearl, or other children born as a result of adultery, would most likely be raised in a single parent family. They would lose the father or mother figure in their life. However I don't believe they would be treated any differently in the present civilization. Adultery has become more ordinary and thus overlooked. This generation also thrives on impartiality.

Reverend Dimmesdale was a man who thought he could fool the community...