Sin and The Scarlet Letter

Sin and The Scarlet Letter

The meaning of sin and its implications on the future well being of man has been an idea of ageless debate. The inevitability of sin and how it affects the way people live is the image of sin which Nathaniel Hawthorne addresses in his novel, The Scarlet Letter. The novel takes place in a small New England village during the time of the new world Puritans. The town has been shocked by the transgressions committed by Hester Prynne, a strong and ultimately kind, moral person. She has done the unthinkable and violated the Puritan law by committing adultery. As punishment, the letter “A” is boldly blazoned on her chest in a bright scarlet hue. Throughout the novel, an intricate triangular relationship develops between Hester, Hester’s husband Roger Chillingworth, and Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, the man with whom she committed adultery. Hawthorne uses particular symbols in the novel in order to develop his thematic concern of the inevitability ...