Scarlet Letter SinThe Scarlet Letter is a novel that deals with the theme of sin. Throughout history, people have committed all kinds of sins, and whether major or minor, they have been punished. However, it is very difficult to agree on the severity of a sanction. Some people believe that sinners should be deeply punished, even if their wrongdoing is small. Others believe that a person's punishment should be based on the severity of their crime. However, what many people overlook is the fact that over time we have all committed sins. In The Scarlet Letter, the idea of ​​sin and punishment is the main theme of the novel and how Hester Prynne, the main character, was punished for her sin of adultery. As Nathaniel Hawthorne states in this novel: “In the eyes of Infinite Purity, we are all sinners alike. » This statement poses a big question mark over the true lives of the Puritans. If we have all committed moral wrongdoing, why is this young woman being punished so harshly for her sin? Hester Prynne was a young woman living in a Puritan community in the “New World.” Her husband, Roger Chillingworth, was said to have been lost at sea and Hester took responsibility for his death. On this basis, young Hester committed the crime of adultery with fellow minister Arthur Dimmesdale. The result of this extramarital affair was the birth of young Pearl, an "elf-like" child. When the townspeople realize what Hester has done, they force her to wear the ultimate sign of punishment, the scarlet letter. This letter “A” for adultery was to be worn permanently on Hester’s breast. When we analyze the punishment inflicted on him, it can seem harsh and cruel, especially for a puritanical society. It seems that Hawthorne also agrees with this. Throughout the novel, it seems evident that Hawthorne feels that the punishment Hester received was harsh and self-degrading. When someone commits a sin, he must understand his mistake, receive his blame, and receive a “slap on the wrist.” However, the punishment Hester received was much worse emotionally. Carrying the letter made Hester the talk of the town. When she walked through the market, she would receive looks of contempt, as if society was rejecting her for her misdeeds. Hester now lived on the outskirts of town, isolated from neighbors and trying to communicate with her daughter Pearl..