Scarlet Letter- Theme of Sin in the novel essays

Scarlet Letter- Theme of Sin in the novel essays In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthrone masterfully weaves many themes and uses character development to format the plot of this novel. The themes of The Scarlet Letter are carried out through the four main characters, Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingsworth, and Pearl. The prevailing theme seen in The Scarlet Letter is sin and its effects. All of the characters in the book are somehow affected by the sin of adultery and their whole lives are molded by the way they deal with the sin. The story begins with Hester having to go on the scaffold and stand there for three hours with her shameful sin exposed for all to see. On the scaffold, Hester experiences harsh words. A group of women is having a discussion in the crowd and one-woman states, At the very least, they should have put the brand of a hot iron on Hester Prynnes forehead. She may cover it with a brooch, or such like heathenish adornment, and so walk the streets as brave as ever. This statement shows that it was not enough that the townspeople knew she committed a sin, but they wanted to see the sin on her chest constantly. At first the letter means the same for Hester as it does for the townspeople, shame. However, as the novel progresses, the letter changes in significance. The letter on Hesters breast begins to break her down. She loses her femininity due to her sin. The letter is a constant reminder of what she has done. One women states in the beginning of the novel, let her cover the mark as she wil l, the pang of it will be always in her heart. This explains that no matter what Hester does the pain that she will endure will always be with her. After Hester meets Dimmesdale in the forest and reveals Chillingworths true identity as her husband, they become close and both Hester and Dimmesdale feel some type of relief. Hester even removes the Scarlet letter, her femininity flows back into her, and the sunlight touc...