The Result of Sin

Sin is the “wrongful conduct of a moral code selected by either society or the transgressor.” Sin is one of the main themes in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. The Puritan society that Hester Prynne resides in does not accept people who deny to follow the moral code of the town. Throughout the novel three main characters are involved with the act of sin, Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale and Roger Chillingworth.

Adultery by definition is voluntary having sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his or her lawful spouse. It is part of the ten commandments and a law that the Puritan village frowns upon. During the Puritan time period, crimes for adultery ended in execution. However Hester is only forced into wearing the scarlet letter due to the unknown information of who her husband and her lover were.

Through adultery Hester Prynne and her daughter are forced to reside to the outskirts of town and be neglected by the rest of society. Hester is forced to wear the scarlet letter embroidered to her chest. This is to symbolize the adultery she has committed. "It [has] the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity and enclosing her in a sphere by herself " (Hawthorne 49). This spell, the scarlet letter is "so fantastically embroidered and illuminated upon her bosom" (Hawthorne 49). The scarlet letter is what separates Hester from the rest of society because it symbolizes her sin.

To make up for her sin Hester “bestowed all her superfluous means in charity, on wretches less miserable than herself”. (Hawthorne 76) However, although Hester tries her best to contribute to the less fortunate than even herself citizens continue to “[insult] the hand that [feeds] them”...

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...t that out of the three characters Roger Chillingworth has the darkest conscience. This is apparent considering he feels no remorse or guilt from the people he is hurting. It is obvious that Roger does not think of the impact of his actions and does things for self gratification.

There are many moral lessons demonstrated in the novel The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorne is able to get the point across that it is better to confess your sins rather than hide them. It may ruin ones reputation, or destroy a career, but it is better for yourself than to live in guilt forever. This is proven significantly through Hester Prynne at the end of the novel. Hester is able to overcome her sin and learn from her mistakes. She is discovered to be a woman who helps others and eventually regains the respect of the town. She is eventually is finally accepted by herself, society, and God.