In the Scarlet Letter, sin and redemption are major reoccurring themes that are the basis of the plot. The effects of sins committed by Hester Prynne, Roger Chillingworth, and Reverend Dimmesdale are shown in many lights. The paths on route to redemption vary from character to character. Hawthorne ultimately believes that man’s redemption consists not in external plans, programs, and projections, but in an internal conversion of the heart.

Wearing the letter “A” on her bosom after committing adultery, Hester Prynne seeks redemption within herself and from the austere and unrelenting people of her community. Hester is left with no friends and her only comfort is her daughter, Pearl. She receives no help or “salvation” from the community and therefore begins to pour her heart into her stitching and needlework. This task serves as an outlet f

Reverend Dimmesdale, also guilty of adultery, fails to confess his sin and is constantly troubled with guilt thus making it harder for him to seek the redemption both his body and mind need. While Hester’s crime is known and widespread throughout the community, no one knows with whom she has committed her sin. She refuses to tell and Dimmesdale remains silent. The guilt brought upon by his sin, causes huge amounts of emotional turmoil to rise within his soul. The guilt begins to not only take a toll on his emotions but also on his health. Dimmesdale ironically develops a heart condition, just as if he were to wear the scarlet letter over his heart, as Hester does. Dimmesdale feels like a fraud as he preaches of having a pure heart while his own is so tainted. After seven long years of hurt and anguish, as a dying man, he finally confesses his sin thereby purifying his soul. “For Hester, I am a dying man

Some topics in this essay:
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