Irony, the opposite of what is expected to happen, can be used to identify point of view and mood. Irony used in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne established Hawthorne's point of view on moral beliefs in a Puritanic society. Three contributing factors to the novel's success are sin, guilt, and judgement. The use of irony linked with these elements proves the novel's effectiveness and describes the author's style.
             The first common device used by Hawthorne in The Scarlet Letter is sin. Hester Prynne, the central character of the work, is noted as the main source of sin. Not only is she mocked for being an adulteress, but identified by it as well. Her scarlet "A" is a symbol, the source of her identity, not only meaning adultery, but sin as well. "Let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will be always in her heart"(pg. 36). However, Hester is not the only one in this picture-perfect Puritanic society who carries the burden of sin. Arthur Dimmesdale, a highly respected priest, finds himself in the midst of sin locked up by guilt, shame, and humility. The irony of such a highly respected figure-- and above all else, a priest-- containing sin within his heart and soul has the effect Hawthorne wanted to have on the reader to create a feeling of anxiety within the novel. The idea of such a perfect society holding its own secrets and bearing sin within each member of the Puritan community creates hypocrisy of the society and the guilt each person must face.
             Guilt, a common feeling felt by everyone in the community, creates the thick aroma of irony. Hester, forced to live in confinement in her own shame, is free of guilt by coming forth and facing the punishment of her sin. However, Dimmesdale is only punishing himself in a harsher, torturing fashion by keeping his secret concealed. The reader is able to see the pool of misery he's slowly sinking
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