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Sin is defined in the dictionary as a transgression against God. In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author analyzes sin. The Scarlet Letter is a gloomy novel, but is effective in explaining the beliefs of older Americans and the taboos of older society. He details the adultery of Hester Prynne, who has a baby with Arthur Dimmesdale, an unmarried pastor. Hester’s husband Roger Chillingworth, a physician, figures out that Dimmesdale is the …

…Hester believes her sin has no effect on her later in life, but at the end is denied happiness by God. Chillingworth becomes so obsessed that sin arises from his obsession, which causes his death. Only Dimmesdale has the strength to withstand God’s punishment and work hard to overcome his sin. This reinforces Hawthorne’s beliefs on sin; God’s punishment is the most sever, but it can be overcome in the greatest circumstances.