Scarlet Letter Essay: The Effects Of Guilt

The effects of guilt can be seen at the beginning of the story in regards to the way that individuals in the colony perceive inappropriate actions. By first setting the stage by providing a context in which adultery is viewed as an extremely odious offense, Hawthorne creates an apt world which sets the stage for the rest of the story. As Puritan ideals that emphasize the need to remain accepted in society according to a strict set of values exist, so does the greater potential to be judged harshly for failing to meet these standards. Sin, in regards to exposed social impropriety, can most obviously be seen in the sentencing of the main character, Hester. As she is made to stand in front of the colony and expose her sin to the all relevant members of socially, her physiological state is weakened; “ It would be greatly for the …show more content…
Although Dimmesdale is equally as responsible in regards to the situation that is universally regarded as unacceptable, throughout the beginning of the story, he demonstrates no indication that he is to blame. This shows an interesting relationship to guilt by showing that socially-constructed rules, perpetuated by religious ideals, are vulnerable to human ignorance. The difference between Hester and Dimmesdale is not in regards to their philosophical moral standing; it is in regards to their perceived level of propriety. While Hester is already under the social subjugation caused by her previous and well-known crime of adultery, Dimmesdale 's involvement is not yet exposed. Consequently, the psychological effects of the characters manifest in profoundly different ways. After a while, Hester become unaffected by the societal effects of constant judgment, removing the power it has in regards to influencing her decisions and perceived status of a social