The description that best reveals Nathaniel Hawthorne's attitude toward Puritan society is:
"The public is despotic in its temper..."
This line highlights the oppressive and authoritarian nature of Puritan society, suggesting Hawthorne's critique of the rigid moral standards and the intense scrutiny that individuals face within this community. It underscores a sense of collective judgment and conformity that characterizes Puritanism, reflecting Hawthorne's skepticism about the social and moral constraints imposed by this society.