In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, The Scarlet Letter, sin is a prominent theme. Sin and the effects of sin on different people are expressed widely throughout the novel. People are different in the aftermath of sin. For example, some people will find a way to cope or repent while others will become so wrapped up in the sin that they forget it is wrong. In this story, many people are affected by sin. More specifically, three characters who experience the effects of sin mentally, physically, and spiritually are Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth, and Pearl. One person that deeply experiences the effects of sin is Arthur Dimmesdale. He commits adultery with Hester Prynne, in result, Pearl was born. Hester could not easily hide her sin, because her pregnant belly is noticeable. On the other hand, Arthur was never suspected. Hester is publicly punished for her sin, but Arthur is never suspected. Not only does he suffer mentally, but physically as well. Arthur becomes physically ill from his guilt. He becomes pale and weak. Also, he beats himself in hopes of cleansing his soul. Because of his sin, he feels guilty, dirty, and unworthy to …show more content…
He is Hester’s elderly husband who shows up just in time to witness his wife’s sin. He did not partake in the original sin, but his life is severely altered by it. For starters, it marks the end of his marriage. He wants revenge, so he pretends to be a physician and takes up a fake name to find out who committed adultery with his wife. His life becomes consumed with finding revenge. One he finds out that Arthur is the father of Pearl, he becomes obsessed with him. He finds joy in watching Arthur suffer in his guilt. His soul is altered for the worse. Roger started out as an innocent scholar, but ends up a spawn of the devil who is consumed with revenge. Watching the suffering of Arthur becomes his reason to live, so when Arthur dies, Roger has no reason to