The Scarlet Letter Theme
...ue to its physical form, but because of the message it conveys. The fact that Hester commits the sin with a reverend greatly adds depth to the story. You usually see a reverend as someone who always follows the rules and is supposed to set an example for those around him or her. Many times we fail to realize they are human just like the rest of us, and are perfectly capable of committing the same sins. Just because they are believe to be closer to God and a “holy man” doesn’t mean they don’t face the same temptations other humans face. The main difference between your average person and a minister is that the minister usually knows how to fight the temptations, and therefore is able to help your average Joe with his problems and temptations. Is there a better teacher than experience itself? Without knowing what cake tastes like, how could you describe it to someone? The sin that Reverend Dimmesdale does commit swallows him and makes his sermons very influential. He tries to confess but cannot bring himself to do it. Hester’s punishment is used as an example for the whole town to see. The governing posts of the town want people to see what happens when they break the rules. They use the idea of sin to make people conform to way they want the people to be. The best way to make people do what you want is to give them an example of what will happen to them if they do not do as they are told. Actions speak louder than words, and examples are always helpful. Of course, the one “guinea pig” has to suffer, but many times it is better for one to face the consequences than for everyone to have to, unless of course you are the one “guinea pig”. Finally, sin was regarded with great fear during the time period of this novel. Everyone attended church and confessed all their sins. They dared not to because it was punishable by death in some places. Thus a sin of this magnitude sent shockwaves through the town. Some people believed Hester should be hanged for her sin, instead of just having to wear a red “A”. So as you can see, the theme of “The Scarlet Letter” is sin. The entire novel revolves around a sin committed by a lon...