Sin of the Flesh in The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is a highly acclaimed work which centerpiece is the focus on the effects of sin in Puritan society. Hawthorne carried a heavy burden of truth hidden within the Puritan code, which has in turn created frenzy for his book since its publication in 1850. The age-old tale is of Hester Prynne a married woman in Boston, who is charged with adultery with an unknown partner. As punishment Hester must adorn a Scarlet A symbolizing her sin and shaping her existence. When one vigorously analyzes the overall theme of the novel, sin and its corollaries appear to be the main premise for the storyline. There exist little in The Scarlet Letter that cannot be traced back to the dark, debilitating, and destitute repercussions correlating with fleshly sin. Moreover, the effect of sin in The Scarlet Letter materializes through the evolution and individualization of Hester, Dimmesdale, and Pearl.

In the Scarlet Letter Hester Prynne sin of adultery, alters her interaction with society and evolves her personality with ought destroying her inward spirit. Hawthorne portrays Hester as a strong-minded Puritan woman willing to ostracize herself inclusively from society with the adornment of the Scarlet A. Even though she understands she can easily share her humiliation with her partner in sin she bears the cross alone: "Never!" Replied Hester Prynne looking not at Mr. Wilson, but into the deep and troubled eyes of the younger clergyman [Dimmesdale] ... Ye cannot take it off. And would that I might endure his agony as well as mine" (64; ch. 3). Furthermore, Hester's personality yet flourishes amidst her drab appearance and haughty symbol. The Scarlet Letter at first symbo...

... middle of paper ...

...ure]" (133; ch.11). The author's use of the rack is a fiery metaphor utilized to emphasize the emotional and mental torture Dimmesdale was undergoing. Thankfully the priest undergoes the next step in the process, which is the necessary involvement in society as a catalyst for harmony and happiness. The priest brings about this change on the scaffold in his tragic and dramatic separation from sin and the tortures of his life. In contrast, Pearl's mode for involvement in society evolves her into a Puritan therapist, who can easily interpret the problems of others. Pearl does not undergoes this process for she is not one of the main sinners in the novel; yet, she too metamorphosis into a productive woman, despite the effects of her parent's sin. Overall, there are extremely keen examples of the effect of sin throughout The Scarlet Letter.