The novel The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is set in the mid 1600's. When the first scene opens the main character Hester is convicted of committing the sin of adultery. She is forced to wear the letter "A" on her breast. This letter "A" is a huge part of the story for many people. The "A" is shown as a sin and to certain characters the sin means different things. Through out peoples lives an object or event can create numerous different emotions in people. This event (sin) may be shown or can be hidden, each can be equally painful and will always remain in ones self. This is shown in the three main characters: Hester, Chillingworth and Dimmesdale.
             Hester is forced to be publicly open with her sin. Therefore, she sees the letter "A" as a form of incredible humiliation. She is seen as an outcast and the "A" makes her feel unwelcome. The "A" is a constant reminder of the sin, "she will be a living sermon against sin, until the ignominious letter be engraved upon her tombstone" (Ch.3). She learns to except the "A" and others see her as "able", but the letter still hangs on her breast. The "A" allows Hester to grow in strength and begin to face her sin. She stayed in Salem because "here had been her sin; here, her sorrow; and here was yet to be her penitence" (Ch.24). This shows courage and strength.
             Chillingworth looks at the letter "A" in a different view. He used the letter as a way to live. The "A" represents his vengeance. He needs the letter to live. He strives off the "A" and makes goals. First to find out who was the man Hester slept, "it irks me.... That the partner of her iniquity should not, at least, stand on the scaffold by her side. But he will be known! - he will be known! – he will be known! (Ch. 3).
             ...