THEME The Scarlet Letter centers round the consequences of sin, especially shame and guilt. ... Hester is made to publicly acknowledge her sin. ... Hester's sin, shame, and guilt are clearly heightened by the fact that she lives in a strict Puritanical society, which is unable and unwilling to forgive her sin. ... Ironically, Hester and Pearl walk past the scaffold, and the minister calls for them to join him, for it is protected by the cover of darkness. ... Dimmesdale is still unable to confess his sin. ...

• Word Count: 1285
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

As a punishment for her sin, she must stand on a scaffold and receive the insults of the people for three hours and she must wear a scarlet "A" on her bosom for the rest of her life as a symbol for her sin. ... She was, however, drawn to the A on Hester's chest, a constant reminder of her sin. ... At this point in the novel, Arthur's sin had begun, if it had not already succeeded, in consuming him. Arthur's conscience was now consumed with sin, and its weight will soon become too much to bear. ... He accepts his sin, he accepts Hester, and he accepts Pearl. ...

• Word Count: 2338
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School

In response, the reverend says, "Thou, too, hast deeply sinned! ... He looks past the reason for her situation and recognizes the good in the adulteress. ... It literally symbolizes adultery, sin, and Hester's struggle to gain self-worth and pride. ... At the end, when many claim that they see it on Dimmesdale's chest, the letter becomes a representation of his sin. ... The scaffold scenes are most important, as it represents the harshness of the Puritan society and the atonement for sin. ...

• Word Count: 1296
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

Through her generous accomplishments the community realizes she is a person who, regardless of her sin, can affect the community in a positive way. ... Their fear of sin and wickedness drove them in their quest to do what they felt was right. ... "Thus the young and pure would be taught to look at her, with the scarlet letter flaming on her breast as the figure, the body, the reality of sin" (83). ... So they used her and were willing to overlook her sins when she looked to be of value to them. ... The society was able to look past their hatred for her and see that in fact they needed her. ...

• Word Count: 1521
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School