Sin in "The Scarlet Letter"

Paper Summary:

The concept of sin depends on the time period and circumstances it occurs in. However, the most severe sin is always that which society commits against individuals. This paper examines how in his novel "The Scarlet Letter", Nathanial Hawthorne contemplates sin from different angles to point out the necessity for change in both perception and prosecution of evil in society. The paper looks at how, through the development of the protagonists, Hester Prynne and Reverend Dimmesdale, Hawthorne criticizes the rigid adherence to rules that the Puritans impose when dealing with actions considered sinful.

From the Paper:

"The concept of sin depends on the time period and circumstances it occurs in. However, the most severe sin is always that which society commits against individuals. In his novel The Scarlet Letter Hawthorne contemplates sin from different angles to point out the necessity for change in both perception and prosecution of evil in the society. Both are results of society's desire to protect its existence and dogmas which however well intended are not designed to also protect the needs of the individual. Through development of the protagonists, Hester Prynne and Reverend Dimmesdale, Hawthorne criticizes the rigid adherence to rules which the Puritans impose in dealing with actions considered sinful. Their pre-established views of good and evil affiliate passion with sin, which he opposes by emphasizing that not passion, but in fact prejudice and its results in condemning passion are the more inhumane attributes and roots of evil because human nature."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York. Bantam, 2003

More papers on Sin in "The Scarlet Letter":

• Analytical Essay # 2332 : "Sin in the "Scarlet Letter"
• Analytical Essay # 120733 : "Adultery in "The Scarlet Letter"
• Analytical Essay # 7387 : "Dimmesdale's Confession in "The Scarlet Letter"

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