The Theme of Sin in The Scarlet Letter - Research Paper Example

The Theme of Sin in The Scarlet Letter The concept of sin is a major element in various religions such as Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Further, it is a significant and major theme in the old and new testaments. Although there are a lot of themes highlighted or contained in the scarlet letter, the theme of sin characterizes the story than the other themes. Hence, it is the major theme the scarlet letter is characterized by the theme of sin. As such, sin is the primary theme in the novel. In light of this, the essay will evaluate and analyze the theme of sin in Hawthorne’s novel the scarlet letter. Sin can be defined as any act that contravenes God’s will and laws. This act therefore strains the relationship between God and the individual. Hawthorne bases his novel on the views of the puritan society. Puritans are a Christian religious that stresses the importance of morality. The puritans possess strict moral values towards the institution of marriage and adultery. The puritan name originates from their attempt and wants to strictly follow bible teachings so as to cleanse their bodies and souls from sin. Puritans considered adultery as the worst moral sin. During the ancient times, puritans who were found to have committed sin would be severely punished. In some instances, they were even put to death. Therefore, adultery is a capital offense and sin among the puritans. The seriousness of adultery in Hawthorne’s the scarlet letter is highlighted when Hester Prynne is condemned to a life time of punishment and shame by wearing a scarlet letter for the entirety of her life. Hester had committed the sin of adultery which was considered a capital offence. She was the wife to Roger Chillingworth. The scarlet letter acted as a symbol showing all that she had committed adultery. The letter was meant to publicly shame her for engaging in adultery. Further, the puritans viewed adultery as a threat to the institution of marriage and societal order (Sulistyowarni 6). Hence, Hester had committed the ultimate sin. Hawthorne, therefore, shows the unforgiving nature and seriousness of the puritans in maintaining moral values. Other characters associated with sin also in the novel are Dimmesdale and Chillingworth. Whereas Chillingworth is a villain, Dimmesdale committed the crime of adultery with Hester. However, it is vital to note that Hester refused to reveal the identity of the person they committed adultery with. This act, from Dimmesdale’s perspective is a show of kindness and strength. He feels relieved that he would be spared the punishment and shame associated with adultery Hawthorne (67) notes that "He [Dimmesdale] now drew back, with a long respiration. ‘Wondrous strength and generosity of a womans heart! She will not speak! " Although Dimmesdale is relieved that his identity is not revealed, he suffers internal turmoil and stress as a result of his sin. As such, sin has a significant t impact on a person’s well-being in addition to his soul. For example, sin forces Dimmesdale to feel guilty. The guilt commences to affect his body, person and soul slowly. Hawthorne (118) states that Dimmesdale became haunted by Satan’s emissary of by Satan himself. This is a clear indication of the torment Dimmesdale was going through as a result of his sin (committing adultery). Since adultery is a capital sin among the puritans, Dimmesdale believed that he couldn’t be forgiven and purified. Therefore, he could not find a way of redeeming himself to continue subscribing to the puritan ways and values. Due to the guilt emanating from his sin, Dimmesdale becomes weak, thin and emaciated (111). Further, Dimmesdale shows signs of pain. Hence, the act of sin affects the character’s body and soul. On the other hand, the act of sin affects Hester differently. She seems to be okay from her outward appearance. The only indication of sin is the scarlet letter. However, she is suffering internally. Also, Hester accepts her sin and the subsequent punishment with ease. This acceptance takes the puritans aback since the scarlet letter was supposed to shame her. As such, she was supposed to be ashamed of her actions, instead of embracing the punishment wholly and gracefully (Bercovitch, xxviii). Whereas Dimmesdale grows thin and becomes emaciated, Hester still remains beautiful. She goes a step further to decorate a letter A on her gown’s breast. Therefore, the scarlet letter which is supposed to be a mark of sin and a sign of shame becomes beautiful. The ease and ready embrace of her sin and punishment can be argued to show that Hester does not view her act as a sin since she was not a puritan like her community. This can explain why she has not been adversely affected by the act of adultery. Moreover, because Hester does not follow the puritan ways, she finds it easy to shield her soul and body from the damages of guilt. Nevertheless, she still suffers internally like Dimmesdale due to the shame associated with adultery and the scarlet letter. Also, she became a sign of immorality in the community. She became an example of the weakness of a woman in relation to sinful passion. This implies that she is used as an example by both moralists and preachers to show the effects of sin or adultery. This has a negative impact on her soul and mind. Hester married her husband Roger Chillingworth at a young age. She was forced to marry roger. During their relationship, Roger spent most of his time at sea thereby leaving Hester alone. With time, she met Dimmesdale and fell in love with him. All these time, she was aware of the puritan’s stand on marriage and adultery. Nevertheless, passion overcame the puritan values and she committed adultery with Dimmesdale. Hawthorne states that in her life, she had only fallen in love with Dimmesdale and not her husband. This decision indicates that Hester does not follow or abide by the puritan values regarding marriage and morality. As a punishment, she is forced to wear the scarlet letter. The letter is a continuous and ever present reminder of her sin. This tortures her soul and mind. Also, people often look at her with scorn and disdain when she walks about for example to the market. The continuous shame, scorn and lack of sympathy from the puritan society in the end took a toll on her. Just like Dimmesdale, Hester dies after seven years. She was viewed as an immoral person up to the time of her death. In addition, the puritan community did not forgive her even after her death. They still viewed her as an immoral woman bent on causing societal disorder. From Hawthorne’s tone, the punishment meted out on Hester was excessive and unnecessary. Hawthorne shows the effect of sin not only on the sinner, but also on the people around the sinners. The most affected person of Hester and Dimmesdale’s adultery is Roger Chillingworth. After realizing her wife’s transgressions, Roger Chillingworth becomes angry and bitter and decides to seek revenge. He also hates Dimmesdale. Also, Hester’s daughter pearl is affected by her mother’s adultery and the subsequent punishment. Pearl tries to convince Dimmesdale to come out and reveal his secret but to no avail (Hall 1926). She argues that by informing the church about his sin, he will be free from both mental and body turmoil. Pearl is supportive of her mother and enjoys her company (Hummer and Hawthorne 29). She further comprehends that her mother has to put on the scarlet letter throught her life. Conclusion Hawthorne’s novel the scarlet letter shows the treatment of sin among the puritan community. Hester who is the main character in the novel is accused of having committed adultery with Dimmesdale. However, she refuses to reveal the identity of Dimmesdale saving him from public ridicule, shame and punishment. Dimmesdale applauds this kind gesture by viewing her as a strong and kind woman. Nonetheless, the act of adultery which is a capital sin among the puritans takes a toll on Dimmesdale’s body and soul. With time, he grows weak and dies. It can be stated that Dimmesdale died because of the guilt of his sin. Although Hester seems to be unperturbed by her sin, she silently suffers internally. Further, the puritans agree that everybody has sinned in his/her lifetime. This makes everybody to be a sinner. When viewed from this perspective, it is necessary then to question why Hester is harshly punished for committing a moral sin whereas everybody is a sinner. From the above analysis, it is evident that sin is the primary theme in the scarlet letter. Both Hester and Dimmesdale committed the sin of adultery. Due to Dimmesdale’s puritan beliefs, the thought of having committed a sin affects his soul and body negatively, contributing to his death. On the other hand, Hester braves the punishment and humiliation. However, she is taunted by the act of sin internally. Lastly, Hawthorne implies that the act of sin apart from affecting the sinners, it has a direct impact on the people who are around the sinners. For instance, Roger turned out to be hateful when he learned of his wife’s adultery. Works Cited Bercovitch, Sacvan. The Office of the Scarlet Letter. Transaction Publishers, 2013. Hall, Mordaunt. The scarlet letter. A Nathaniel hawthorne classic. New york times. 1926. Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The scarlet letter. Simon and Schuster, 2004. Hummer, Theo, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. The Scarlet Letter. Insight Publications, 2011. Sulistyowarni, Yuni Eko. Hester’s Effort Attaining Love In Roland Joffe’s The Scarlet Letter Movie (1995): An Existentialist Approach. Diss. Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, 2010. Read More