Commentary on The Scarlet Letter Essay

The Scarlet Letter is such a captivating story over the struggles sin puts one through and what some have emotionally gained from it. Three of the main characters in this novel experience the pain of what their sin puts them through and learn to bear through their consequences. To discuss the sins of Hester, a compassionate woman who appears to turn from grief to absolute assurance, Dimmesdale the priest of the community, and Chillingsworth, Hesters husband who had left her for many years. The sin of Hester is out in the open, being put to shame in front of the entire town to see while the two sins of the two men are much more secretive.

Falling for temptation and going against the promises to her husband is where Hesters sin begins. Therefore resulting in being humiliated in front of a multitude of people and thought of as a foe and enemy. She is required to wear the scarlet letter on her clothing at all times. She is left without friends, and anyone to fully trust.

Dimmesdales sin was in the mix of the sin of Hester. He led Hester astray and gave into temptation himself. He is also a liar. When convicting Hester of the things she did while portraying that he himself is completely innocent. He spends a good amount of his days feeling large quantities of guilt and hiding what he has done and feeling a hole inside his chest knowing that he needs to tell what he has done.

Because of what Dimmesdale had done, Chillingsworth, the husband of Hester is in complete rage. He chooses to not accept Dimmesdales apology and attempts to emotionally distress and physically damage him. On account of Chillingsworths actions he appears quite evil and is feared by many.

James 2:10 says, For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. This makes it clear, that although the sins of these three human beings varied in their sufferings and results, that all three of them are guilty for every such thing. Indeed, it is from the heart that evil desires come - murder, adultery, immorality, theft, lies, slander. Says Matthew 15:19. The heart of man is wicked and only by the grace of God can be forgiven. Throughout the book Hester shows how to not hide from what she has done and seems to have given it to God. Chillingsworth eventually admits what he has done, while Dimmesdale is left alone in guilt from his wrong doings. Confirming the fact of Romans 3:23, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.