Sin In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter

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Among the most paramount themes in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, is that of the connection binding sin to humanness. Throughout the novel, sin is portrayed as necessary and normal to everyday life, however, the Puritan outlook of sin differs immensely. Sin is left unforgiven and the strict conditions on humanity within the Puritan community are called into question. Characters who accept their mistakes and grow from them are more prosperous in the novel’s resolution, while those who bend to the restraints of society are displayed as a detriment to themselves. From this, a more comprehensive message takes form. Hawthorne is not only attempting to connect sin to humanity but is also going as far to state that one must accept their sin in order to live a fulfilling life. Throughout the …show more content…

Dimmesdale is in a place of power within the community which makes it exponentially more difficult to embrace his sin as he will lose his influence and power. He says: “for, believe me, Hester, though he were to step down from a high place, and stand there beside thee, on thy pedestal of shame, yet better were it so, than to hide a guilty heart through life.” (3.58). This acknowledges Dimmesdale is aware that keeping his sin veiled is wrong and will cause trouble but he also recognizes his position would make it hard to “step down from a high place.” Despite recognizing the dangers of unaccepted and private sin, Dimmesdale continues to wither away as the story progresses. His deterioration is directly associated with his guilt. He begins engaging in self-harm as a means to cope and even carving an “A” to his chest. This all leads to him standing on the scaffold and admitting his sin, but he is alone and he is not being public about it. Hawthorne is

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