Scarlet Letter :: Free Essay Writer

Scarlet LetterFor Every Action There is a Reaction the Affects of Sin in The Scarlet Letter According to Websters 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 oft discussed and oftentimes the more important issue is the motions of a man or womans sin. Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter revolves around the exclusive theme of the unforgivable, adulterous sin which affects Hester Prynne, garner, 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 clothe 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 man-made lake 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 radical 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 Hesters sin. Pearl is not just a passive reminder of Hesters 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 die aware was--shall we say it?--the scarlet letter on Hesters bosom (66). This small movement of the babys hand causes immense amounts of pain in Hester. Then, when Pearl is older she she amused herself with gathering handfuls of wild-flowers, and flinging them, one by one, at her mothers bosom dancing, up and down, like a little elf, whenever she hit the scarlet letter (67). Hester begins to delight in if Pearl really is a demons offspring through the agency of her sin.