There are two main themes that Hawthorne he uses in the novel both are related. Through his diction Hawthorne seems to emphasize the severity of Puritan law as a theme, the other is the strictness of Puritan society. In the opening chapter he carefully describes the prison as an “ ugly edifice…and gloomy” even though the prison is old, it still has the power to enforce the severe Puritan laws whatever they may be. He …showed first 75 words of 1536 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1536 total…guilt. Dimmesdale shows his love for “God” even the end as he praises him as he’s dying. NOTES:  Hawthorne describes Hester as simply accepting the punishment that she received, but not really suffering. Dimmesdale on the other hand is seen as being very innocent. Hawthorne is very sympathetic through his diction it seems, towards Dimmesdale.  Each sex seems to be the worst judge for the other. The townswomen are very critical towards Hester; th 뀟⿐뀠㷠뀡܈뀢܈連֠逤֠뀥