What is the biggest sin that a human being can commit? How is sin measured? Is it homicide, adultery, or robbery? "The Scarlet Letter," by Nathaniel Hawthorne have theme that is very substantial to the overall effect of the novel. In essence, this is a story of sin, punishment and the importance of certainty and truthfulness. One theme which plays a big role in "The Scarlet Letter" is sin, judgment and its consequence. An extreme sinner through the eyes of the Puritans is Hester Prynne because she has committed the sinful act of adultery. The effect of this sin is condemnation and sentenced to wear the scarlet letter "A" as a constant reminder for her sin. Hester does not cover up her sin in the novel, as a matter of fact she openly appreciates the letter and elaborately designs it because she knows that her sin was not done in order to hurt others, but because of her affection towards Dimmesdale. The Scarlet letter was put upon Hester's chest to claim her ungodliness but instead the consequences served as a way for Hester to grow stronger. Hester's soul is freed by her admission of her crime; by enduring her earthly punishment. .
Right from the start, Hester appears to be different from those around her, suggesting a rebellious approach to the traditions and customs of the Puritan society. She was a "figure of perfect elegance" compared to the Puritan women of "brief beauty" (pg. 55, 57). Hester's sin was not the worst committed among the other characters in the novel because unlike Dimmsdale and Chillingworth, their sin caused ruin and disgrace, and even death. Dimmesdale was unable to overcome his guilt because, unlike Hester, he had to cover his sin. Dimmesdale could not confess to the sin and was forced to hold all his guilt in his heart, where with the help of the flaming touch of Chillingworth, it burned in his chest slowly destroying Dimmesdale's health to the point of his death.