The Scarlet Letter: The Consequences of SinIt can be concluded that the consequences of sin are the theme of Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorne explored this theme according to four distinct levels of sin. Although each level is displayed the same throughout the novel, the common sin of man's inhumanity to man outweighed all else. The main characters are each guilty of one or more of the following levels of sin: the sin of vengeance, the sin of hypocrisy, and the sin of adultery. Early in the novel, it is revealed that Hester Prynne is guilty of adultery. One of the consequences of his sin is a prison sentence. Second, she had a child, a baby who was conceived out of desire rather than love. Hester named this child Pearl, meaning he is of great value. Third, Hester was condemned to wear the scarlet letter on her breast, so that all would recognize her as the one who met the black man in the forest. Fourth, she was subjected to public ignominy while the townspeople mocked her. Although the magistrates tried to get Hester Prynne to reveal her accomplice, she kept his name unknown. As one might guess, from the hints given throughout the novel, Arthur Dimmesdale was also guilty of adultery. However, he did not confess his sin until it was too late. Dimmesdale continued his ministry in the Church, as a hypocrite, hiding his sin. However, his guilty conscience led him to a manic-depressive state of mind. Dimmesdale became very ill, as the scarlet letter on Hester's chest seemed to burn his chest, weakening his heart. When he realized what was happening to her, he tried to expose himself through his... layers of paper..., but she was only paid a tenth of the value of the clothes. There was a huge difference in the town's behavior towards Hester compared to how it treated Dimmesdale. People treated Dimmesdale like a saint, even though he was guilty of hypocrisy. They also treated Chillingworth as a well-respected doctor, even if he was guilty of vengeance. So when the community dwells on a person's imperfections, it too is guilty of sin, the sin of man's inhumanity to man. We can see, after reading the novel, that it is better to confess your sin rather than to hide it, even if it is perhaps not good for your reputation in the community, it is better for your soul. Throughout the novel, the characters suffer the consequences of their sins. Accordingly, the theme of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, could be the consequences of sin..