... (Symons 1597). The Scarlet letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne explores sin and its consequences. The focus of attention is Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth. Each of these characters sin in a unique way. Hester sins by committing adultery. Dimmesdale sins by breaking his vow of chastity, and then hiding his deed. Chillingworth sins by acting upon his desire for revenge, and ... , and performs its bidding." Well might Dimmesdale exclaim, "There is one worse then even the polluted priest! That old mans revenge has been blacker than my sin. He has violated, in cold blood,...

• Word Count: 1373
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... this some what "impeccably flawless- religion, along with others, had its corollaries. The perpetual focus on sin affected the Puritan community as a bad apple in a barrel. The bad apple rapidly disseminates until the whole barrel is vitiated. During the 19th century Poe and Hawthorne were among the many prominent writers. ... innately corrupt and punishment was used as a warning to keep others from straying from morality (McPherson 38). "Punishment was a tool to create a civilized society in a savage world,"" stated Williams, "there severe punishment reflected the harsh environment that...

• Word Count: 1751
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School