Sin is the “erroneous conduct of a moral code chosen by society or by the transgressor.” Sin is a major theme in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The Puritan society in which Hester Prynne resides does not accept people who deny following the town's moral code. Throughout the novel three main characters are involved in the act of sin: Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth. Adultery by definition is voluntary 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 disapproves of. During the Puritan period, crimes of adultery ended in execution. However Hester is only forced to wear the scarlet letter because of the unknown information about who her husband and lover were. Because of adultery Hester Prynne and her daughter are forced to reside on the outskirts of town and be neglected by the rest of society. Hester is forced to wear the scarlet letter embroidered on her chest. This symbolizes the adultery he committed. "[It] has the effect of an enchantment, which takes it out of ordinary intercourse with humanity, and encloses it in a solitary sphere" (Hawthorne 49). This spell, the scarlet letter, is “so fantastically embroidered and lighted upon her bosom” (Hawthorne 49). The scarlet letter is what separates Hester from the rest of society because it symbolizes her sin. To make amends for her sin Hester “gave all her superfluous means in charity, to wretches less miserable than herself.” (Hawthorne 76) However, although Hester does her best to contribute to those less fortunate even than herself, the townspeople continue to "[insult] the hand that feeds [them]"... middle of paper... t that of the three characters Roger Chillingworth has the darkest conscience. This is evident considering he feels no remorse or guilt from the people he is hurting. It is obvious that Roger does not think about the impact of his actions and does things for personal gratification. There are many moral lessons demonstrated in the novel The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorne manages to make it clear that it is better to confess one's sins rather than hide them. It might ruin your reputation or destroy a career, but it's better for yourself than living in guilt forever. This is significantly demonstrated by Hester Prynne at the end of the novel. Hester is able to overcome her sin and learn from her mistakes. It turns out that she is a woman who helps others and ultimately regains the respect of the town. In the end she is finally accepted by herself, by society and by God.
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