The Scarlet Letter: The Consequences of SinIt can be concluded that the consequences of sin are the theme of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne explored this theme by analyzing four distinct levels of sin. While each level was equally displayed throughout the novel, the common sin of man's inhumanity to man outweighed everything else. The main characters are each guilty of one or more of the following levels of sin; the sin of revenge, the sin of hypocrisy and the sin of adultery. At the beginning of the novel, it is revealed that Hester Prynne is guilty of adultery. One of the consequences of his sin is a prison sentence. Second, he had a son, a child conceived by lust rather than love. Hester named this child Pearl, meaning of great worth. Third, Hester was condemned to wear the scarlet letter on her breast, so that all would recognize her as the one who had met the black man in the forest. Fourth, she was forced to endure public ignominy while citizens mocked her. Although the magistrates tried to get Hester Prynne to reveal her accomplice, she kept his name unknown. As you might guess from the clues provided in the novel, Arthur Dimmesdale was also guilty of adultery. However, he did not confess his sin until it was too late. Dimmesdale continued his ministry in the church, as a hypocrite, hiding his sin. However, his guilty conscience led him to a manic-depressive state of mind. Dimmesdale became very ill, because the scarlet letter on Hester's chest seemed to burn his chest, weakening his heart. When she realized what was happening to him, she tried to expose herself through her......paper...strategy, but she was only paid a tenth of the value of the clothes. There was a huge difference in the town's behavior towards Hester compared to how they treated Dimmesdale. People treated Dimmesdale like a saint, even though he was guilty of hypocrisy. They also treated Chillingworth as a highly respected doctor, although he was guilty of revenge. So, when the community focuses on a person's imperfections, they too are guilty of sin, the sin of man's inhumanity to man. You may find, after reading the novel, that it is better to confess your sin than to hide it, although it may not be good for your reputation in the community, it is better for your soul. Throughout the novel, characters suffer the consequences of their sins. Consequently, the theme of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, may be the consequences of sin.