In the novel The Scarlet Letter Hawthorne displays his view of sin through various characters. Through Hester Prynne, Hawthorne portrays sin and how it strengthens her character. On the other hand, Hawthorne shows Reverend Dimmesdale's sin of adultery and how it makes him ill. Pearl, in contrast, is portrayed as a living sin, and therefore, is constantly being judged. Through Hester Prynne, Reverend Dimmesdale, and Pearl, Hawthorne shows that if hidden, sin will destroy; but …showed first 75 words of 559 total…

…showed last 75 words of 559 total…Pearl virtuous – to overcome the sin that will always be associated with Pearl. Through a captivating plot, Hawthorne demonstrates the effects that sin can have. Through Hester Prynne, he teaches that sin can be a lesson that will make one stronger, whereas through Reverend Dimmesdale, he illustrates that hidden sin is self-destructive. And despite all the virtues that Hester attempts to instill in Pearl, Pearl will be a constant reminder of the sin of adultery.