Scarlet Letter 6 Essay, Research Paper

In the novel The Scarlet Letter Hawthorne displays his view of sin through various characters. Through Hester Prynne, Hawthorne portrays sin and how it strengthens her character. On the other hand, Hawthorne shows Reverend Dimmesdale’s sin of adultery and how it makes him ill. Pearl, in contrast, is portrayed as a living sin, and therefore, is constantly being judged. Through Hester Prynne, Reverend Dimmesdale, and Pearl, Hawthorne shows that if hidden, sin will destroy; but if revealed, and one repents for sin, it is capable of making him stronger.

One way Hawthorne develops his view of sin is through Hester Prynne. Hester is charged with adultery in the 1600 s, when the novel takes place, a very serious crime with very severe punishment. As the plot unfolds, the reader learns that Hester s sin makes her a stronger woman. The consequence of Hester s sin is that she has to wear a scarlet A upon her breast to let the community know of her wrongdoing. Hester will be living sermon against sin, until the ignominious letter be engraved upon her tombstone (59). Thus, Hester must wear the scarlet letter until she leaves the World. However, Hester s badge of shame (102), makes her a stronger person, as she puts up with the harassing comments of the town. Rather than with shame, Hester wears the letter with pride. She is aware that her sin is iniquitous, but by being open about it she is able to become a stronger person. Hester proves that by repenting and repelling sin, it is truly capable of making one stronger.

Hawthorne illustrates another important point about sin through the character Arthur Dimmesdale. Dimmesdale represents God, and he therefore refuses to be open about his sin. He explains to Hester, Happy for you Hester that you wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom! Mine burns in secret (176). This guilt that Dimmesdale keeps concealed within his soul eventually beats him and he dies. Hawthorne develops the idea that hiding sin and the guilt that comes from hiding sin will eventually result in self-destruction.

The final portrayal of sin is through the character Pearl, the product of Dimmesdale and Hester s affair. Whenever the community sees Pearl and Hester together, they assume that Pearl is a devil child because she was born out of sin: Pearl was born outcast of the infantile world. An emp of evil, emblem and product of sin (86). The community dislikes Pearl because of the actions of her parents, Hester and Dimmesdale. Unlike the community, Hester believes that Pearl is not evil. On the contrary to the beliefs of the community, Hester does not think Pearl will follow in her footsteps. Hester says, I can teach my little Pearl what I have learned from this (101), and as an example of that, Hester teaches Pearl the catechism, something many children her age are not aware of. Hester thus attempts to make Pearl virtuous to overcome the sin that will always be associated with Pearl.

Through a captivating plot, Hawthorne demonstrates the effects that sin can have. Through Hester Prynne, he teaches that sin can be a lesson that will make one stronger, whereas through Reverend Dimmesdale, he illustrates that hidden sin is self-destructive. And despite all the virtues that Hester attempts to instill in Pearl, Pearl will be a constant reminder of the sin of adultery.