Purity and evil is the duality that exists within human nature, but who is to judge the degrees of good and bad that are present within human actions? In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, the author, a rebellious Puritan, sets before the reader the consequences of sin, which later develop into a tragic love story. Hester, an adulterer, matures into what the town's people interpret as "Able" or "Angel". Dimmesdale, a highly respected minister, revealed to be the partner of Hester's adultery, is torn by his inner conflict of righteousness and humiliation. The elfish child, Pearl, a product of love and sin, is utilized as a symbol of truth that is inaccessible by man. These characters represent the perfection and the faults within human characteristics. As the story continues, Hawthorne's perspective on the Puritan society and the nature of man unfolds. The ambiguity of good and evil embodied within each character strongly reflects Hawthorne's philosophy of human nature and the iniquity of the Puritan society.
             The ability that the scarlet letter bestows upon Hester is a reflection of Hawthorne's valuation of Puritanism, but the society's judgment upon Hester's sin is a representation of the corruption within religion. Hester, understanding her sin, stands on the scaffold to endure her punishment with her scarlet letter "A". Because of her exclusion from society, Hester develops independence, ability, and the sight of reality. Hawthorne uses Hester's innate goodness as a reflector of the unfairness of a harsh society. In the beginning of the story, the narrator introduces the scarlet letter "A", which Hester is forced to wear as a symbol of her adultery. The letter "A" is beautifully embroidered with red and gold, which enables constant attention. The narrator describes, "On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with a...