Scarlet Letter Power Of Sin

The presence of evil and sin are prevalent in all individuals’ lives. Evil and sin continuously impact one’s thinking and actions, making its sinister influence practically inescapable, even in a Puritan society of the 17th century. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne revolves around a strictly Puritan community in Boston, and explores the power of sin that surrounds each character. He goes in depth to reveal the immorality and corruption in Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth, forcing readers to question who is the greatest sinner of them all. Although many would assume Chillingworth is the worst sinner because of his lust for vengeance, ironically, it is Dimmesdale, the spineless minister. Through his deception, selfishness, and knowledge of wrongdoing, Dimmesdale significantly exceeds all others in committing the vilest sins, making him the greatest sinner.

Dimmesdale has the power and knowledge to resist committing adultery, yet he falls to a married woman and into temptation. Hester being married is common knowledge. When Hester is standing on the scaffold, a townsman informs Chillingworth of Hester: “‘Sir, you must know, was the wife of a certain learned man, English by birth, but dwelt in Amsterdam’” (Hawthorne 53). Although Dimmesdale is aware Hester is married and unavailable, he still chooses to commit adultery with her. In doing so, Dimmesdale’s sin not only affects his conscience, but also has a significant and vile effect on