"In either case, there was very much the same solemnity of demeanour on the part of the spectators; as befitted a people amongst whom religion and law were almost identical, and in whose character both were so thoroughly interfused, that the mildest and the severest acts of public discipline were alike made venerable and awful." ((Chapter 2/PAGE 47))
The way of life for the Puritans that make up the colony has no law but the religious teachings that have been engrained into every colonist. This behaviour is expected, living by God and the Puritan ethics is the norm; the law. The society will be heavily contrasted by Hester Prynn who commits a treacherous sin, which goes against the religion, meaning that her actions go against the society. The citizens will mock her because she is essentially an outcast to the society (A sinner.). However, she isn't alone because no matter how perfect the Puritans think their world is, the prison previously stated in the first chapter signifies that human nature will always be present no matter the society or culture.
Physiognomies - (n.) A person's facial features or expression, especially when regarded as indicative of ethnicity.
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