The central theme of the novel is that unconfessed sin destroys the soul. Hester's sin of adultery has been confessed, and as its symbol, she wears the Scarlet Letter A. As a result, the sin does not destroy her inward spirit; instead, she gathers her strength and courage, and flourishes in spite of the Letter A. In total contrast to Hester, Dimmesdale does not confess his sin until after it totally destroys him. He hides his adultery and fails to claim Pearl as his daughter; his punishment is guilt and self- condemnation, intensified by the torture of Chillingworth. As the shame over his cowardice increases, he suffers total deterioration, both mental and physical. Only when he publicly confesses his adultery and stands openly with Hester and Pearl in the fin

Hester's story really ends in comedy. She leaves Boston to live again in England. When she returns many years later, she is welcomed in Boston and her advice is sought, showing she truly escaped.

On the bosom of her gown forever. Even though she has a daughter out of wedlock, she refuses to reveal who the father is. As a young woman, her youthful beauty, luxuriant hair, and excellent features are diminished by her self-effacing puritanical way of dressing. As an older lady, she returns to Boston where she is finally accepted for her kindness and service.

The antagonist is the effort to hide the identify of the male adulterer, who is Pearl's father. Both Hester and Dimmesdale fight to keep the identity a secret, but for very different reasons. Hester wants to protect the identity of Dimmesdale as Pearl's father in order to protect the minister from the public shame of sin; hers is a totally selfless act of kindness, reflecting her inner character and strength.

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