Scarlet Letter- Theme of Sin in the novel
In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthrone masterfully weaves many themes and uses character development to format the plot of this novel. The themes of The Scarlet Letter are carried out through the four main characters, Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingsworth, and Pearl. The prevailing theme seen in The Scarlet Letter is sin and its effects. All of the characters in the book are somehow affected by the sin of adultery and their whole lives are molded by the way they deal with the sin.The story begins with Hester having to go on the scaffold and stand there for three hours with her shameful sin exposed for all to see. On the scaffold, Hester experiences harsh words. A group of women is having a discussion in the crowd and one-woman states, "At the very least, they should have put the brand of a hot iron on Hester Prynne's forehead. She may cover it with a brooch, or such like heathenish adornment, and so walk the streets as brave as ever". This statement shows that it was not enough that the townspeople knew she committed a sin, but they wanted to see the sin on her chest constantly. At first the letter means the same for Hester as it does for the townspeople, shame. However, as the novel progresses, the letter c
He no longer believes that he is worthy of being saved. Arthur Dimmesdal is another character that sin affects tremendously. The letter on Hester's breast begins to break her down. Live, therefore, and bear about thy doom with thee, in the eyes of men and women, -in the eyes of him whom thou didst call thy husband, -in the eyes of yonder child! And, that thou mayest live, take off this draught" (1345). One women states in the beginning of the novel, "let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will be always in her heart". Yet, Puritan society is stagnant, while Hester and Dimmesdale's experience shows that a state of sinfulness can lead to personal growth, sympathy, and understanding of others. This shows that the only thing Chillingworth had in him was evil and since that had nothing else to feed on, he died. He dies within a year after Dimmesdale dies. However, at the end he finally is able to find the strength to confess. He comes back to life but it is short lived. All the townspeople begin to fear him because of these changes. She loses her femininity due to her sin. After Dimmesdale confesses, Chillingworth no longer feels there is a reason to live.
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