Guilt in the Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter is a book of guilt. Simply put, it revolves around the effects of guilt and confession. Through Arthur Dimmesdale and Hester Prynne, Nathaniel Hawthorne illustrates the torturous effects of societal guilt, and the newfound personal freedom through confession. This applies to Dimmesdale, as he is a part of society and to Hester as she has been alienated and lives in the outskirts of the forest. The two ideas of suppressing and openly admitting sin contrast each other. The book can be seen as large comparison of Hester and Dimmesdale or the comparison of the effects of suppressing or admitting to sin. Hester, who is free from guilt wishes that her sin were never put into the publicfs eye. She does not like attention that comes hand in hand with the Scarlet Letter. Ironically, Arthur, whom people do not know has sinned, wishes for the truth to be let out. He wants society to know of his sin. Guilt is only applicable in society, and cannot be seen in the fores...