The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a novel of many obstacles. Its obstacles varied from sin and hypocrisy to guilt and vengeance. These obstacles are all overcome by love and grace. These obstacles are shown in the three main characters Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth.
             Sin is shown through Hester at first. She was convicted of adultery and was considered a sinner. Sin is shown greatly in Dimmesdale who also committed adultery and then doesn't confess until years later. Hypocrisy focuses mainly on Dimmesdale, he lets people think he is such a good person and tells them to be truthful.
             Guilt also focuses mainly on Dimmesdale. He is consumed by the guilt of not confessing to his adultery and becomes ill from it. Vengeance is the only thing on Chillingworth's mind. Ever since Chillingworth found out Hester had an affair with another man he became obsessed with finding out the identity of her lover. When he finds out it is Dimmesdale he will do anything to destroy him.
             Evil was what Chillingworth started to become when he finds out that Hester cheated on him. He becomes obsessed with finding the culprit and when he finally sees its Dimmesdale he becomes evil. He begins to become more and more evil and starts to think of a diabolical way to carry out his vengeance. Grace and love triumphed over these obstacles for Hester and Dimmesdale. Dimmesdale finally confessed his sins and his grace and love overcame all these obstacles even though Dimmesdale later dies.
             The obstacles in The Scarlet Letter, for Hester and Dimmesdale were great. They included sin, hypocrisy, guilt, vengeance, and evil. These obstacles are reflected in the characters of the novel. These obstacles are all overcome by their love and grace in the end.
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