Scarlet Letter

For Every Action There is a Reaction: the Affects of Sin in The Scarlet Letter


According to Webster¡¯s Collegiate Dictionary, sin is defined as an action that is or is felt to be highly reprehensible.   The average person would agree that it is only in human nature to sin.   Therefore the severity of such transgressions is diluted with that simple justification.   However, the less frequently discussed and oftentimes the more important issue is the effects of a man or woman¡¯s sin.   Nathaniel Hawthorne¡¯s The Scarlet Letter revolves around the single theme of the unforgivable, adulterous sin which affects Hester Prynne, Pearl, and Roger Chillingworth to their very cores.


First, because of this unforgivable sin, Hester was forced to live as the social outcast for the rest of her days.   Hester makes her first public appearance clad in the scarlet letter when she first emerges out of the cold dark prison.   It is described as ¡°so fantastically embroidered and illuminated upon her bosom¡± (37).   Hawthorne continues to say ¡°It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity and enclosing her in a sphere by herself¡± (37).   Since the scarlet letter symbolizes sin, it is the ultimate source of social isolation for her.   Hester is in a sphere of her own where her sin affects her livelihood and has completely isolated her from the world. The prison marks the beginning of a new life for Hester; a life filled with coping with consequences.   Guilt is a consequence of sin that Hester must endure throughout her life, which also begins to have a profound effect on her life and thinking.


Then, Pearl evolved into the very manifestation of Hester¡¯s sin.   Pearl is not just a passive reminder of Hester¡¯s terrible deed; on the contrary, she is active in the role of torturing her mother.   From the very beginning she drives to cause Hester to suffer.   ¡°But that first object of which Pearl seemed to become aware was--shall...