The Scarlet letter chapter 2 page 47

if the cultural value celebrated in this passage is the pursuit and appearance of virtue, which quotation from the passage would most likely support that cultural value interpretation

One quotation from the passage that would most likely support the interpretation of the pursuit and appearance of virtue as a cultural value celebrated in this passage is: "The magistrates and other personages of mark, who were assembled in front, seemed to assume the luxury of a little more space for their individual selves and think themselves pp.47 above the necessity of intimate contact." This quotation suggests that those in positions of authority or high social standing are more concerned with appearances and maintaining a facade of virtue rather than truly embodying virtuous qualities.