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  • Essay / The evolution of sin as described in The Scarlet Letter

    Evolution is defined as "a process of change" (Webster's Dictionary), and it has been proven many times in the past that sin is a direct process that leads to change. in his spiritual as well as carnal life. The three main characters, Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Scarlet Letter, all turn out to be sinners and, whether for better or worse, reveal the "evolution" of sin in their lives . Hawthorne reveals a lucid portrait of this change by giving the reader insight into the characters' deepest thoughts regarding this sin. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original Essay Hester Prynne first appears to the reader as a horrible, unjust woman, whom all the “godly” and “righteous” Puritans talk about , but yet it is said "...seen in this beautiful woman...an object to remind her of the image of Divine Motherhood..."(54). This statement proves that it gives viewers a vision of the Virgin Mary, beautiful, innocent and pure. Upon her return to the prison, she bursts into an emotional frenzy and is found "...in a state of nervous excitement..." (67), leaving Master Brackett in disarray as to what he will do of this “possessed”. " woman. However, her independence is revealed when she takes up a sewing profession, which allows Hester "...to provide food for her growing baby and herself." (78) This statement shows that Hester was trying to let this sin and her living sign of sin (the Pearl) positively affect her and help her achieve the redemption she so faithfully sought. From the thirteenth chapter onwards, the position. of Hester in the Puritan society begins to transform from "unjust naughty" into "...self-proclaimed Sister of Mercy..." (158) and regains the notoriety of some of her former ridiculers by her gentleness, her kindness and her generosity, and merciful nature. The scarlet letter "A" evolved from a meaning of "adultery" to a strong interpretation meaning "Able." another joy” (200), when she and Dimmesdale’s love are reunited in chapter seventeen. Although her sin was not forgotten, it merely remained dormant, and so dormant that Hester's heart no longer felt the burden of it after she removed the scarlet letter. In the end, Hester once again reveals to the reader her strength and that she was and is, now more than ever, the backbone of the case when she helped carry Dimmesdale to the scaffold. This sin "evolved" Hester, not into a more vile sinner, but into a more caring, compassionate and merciful human being, which shows not only that the Scarlet Letter showed her purpose, but also that her faith and determination in God enabled him not to be dismayed and bound by his sin, but to prosper in the glory and grace that God gives us. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” » Furthermore, Jesus said in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth and the life. " Although for some this may not be considered "accurate" due to different theological doctrines, it causes the reader to reflect on the fact that Hester was spiritually dead at the time of this sin, yet she was born of new and purified by the marvelous hand of God. , through his faith in his Lord and heavenly Father. This thought proves that Hester "evolved" her life toward a more faithful and humble life because of this sin, which, in the long run, increased herspiritual walk with God. The character of the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale is revealed as a "...pale young man..."(63) with "...the eloquence of religious fervor...and a rosy purity of thought"(64). Never would such a "godly" and "religious" reverend commit such an act as adultery, but it is shown that even the revered Arthur Dimmesdale was not impeccable, for it is said in Romans 3:23-24 "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption which is Christ Jesus…” As the novel continues, the reader sees that this remarkable reverend is in slowly dying. Despite Dimmesdale's protests, "I need no medicine.." (118), the Puritan community considers it Providence that Chillingworth be their doctor to help them recover from their illness. . Dimmesdale becomes "...weak..." (139) in his body structure and his cheeks grow. paler every Sabbath day. Although he was greatly revered, his mind only saw this as a greater burden, that he was a "false prophet" and a "hypocrite" who had led so many "godly" men and women to disillusionment. . of his true self. Dimmesdale resorted to punishment by whipping his back, and he saw horrible visions regarding Hester and Pearl. In chapter seventeen, he reveals to Hester that he is "...most miserable..." (188) and says. that his life was "...only lies!"(188). Having delivered his most prestigious sermon to date, as the march continued toward market, in an act of utter brokenness and yet strength, he eases the burden of his life. sin and confesses to the whole crowd his adultery, and with a very appropriate word, his last words were "God is merciful... Praise be to his name!"(252). This incident tells the reader that Dimmesdale knew that God was not responsible for the pain he felt during those seven years and that it was sent by the devil. Dimmesdale also indicates that "all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men" (Matthew 12:31), that is, God would not punish him for a sin of which he had repented and which God had forgiven. So, although the minister's "evolving sin" did not have as much of a positive effect as it had on Hester, it did help him "evolve" further in his faith and, ultimately building on that faith, to grant him redemption by the merciful grace of God. Roger Chillingworth, otherwise known as Roger Prynne, was known throughout the Puritan community as "...the able man, the kind and friendly physician..." (120). After seeing his once-pure wife standing on the "pedestal of shame" bearing her sign of sin, he was plunged into "...a quiet depth of wickedness..." (136) as he sought revenge on the man who had stolen his wife. Jesus says vengeance is unjust, saying, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who maliciously exploit you and persecute you.” » (Matthew 5:44) Yet instead of following God's direct will, he is determined to take revenge and thus becomes captive to sin. John 8:34 says, “...Whoever commits sin is the slave of sin. " While everyone commits sin, it is those who dwell in that sin and constantly repeat it who become the servants of that sin, and Roger Chillingworth becomes a full-fledged disciple of vengeance. Hester believed that this quest for revenge transformed the old scholar "...from a wise and just man into a demon" (170). Reverend Dimmesdale compares Chillingworth's sin to Hester's and his own and states that Chillingworth was the most vile sinner because he "violated the.."