The Puritans, a religious group in New England in the early 1600's, believe in a 'pure' interpretation of the Bible and a sinless society, though inevitable in every society. Many Puritans commit adultery along with many other sins. This shows the many external truths about the Puritan society as well as today's. Many of these Puritan ethics appear throughout many literary works of today and of the past. Although written almost 150 years ago, Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter contains concepts and insights from traditional practices of the Puritans. Hawthorne makes distinctions in order for the reader to deal with realistic interpretations of human experiences and truths, which most can readily relate. Nathaniel Hawthorne often discusses themes of sin, alienation, and love throughout his novel The Scarlet Letter.

The Scarlet Letter reveals the theme of sin. An extreme sinner through the eyes of the Puritans, Hester Prynne goes against the Puritan ways and commits the sinful act of adultery. The townspeople often talk about Hester amongst themselves in the marketplace, "This woman has brought us shame", for her sin brings them much grief (99). For this irrevocably

The theme of love frequently occurs throughout The Scarlet Letter. Born out of her adulteress sin, Hester still loves Pearl unconditionally. Pearl, a capricious and stubborn child holds a sacred spot in Hester's heart. Hester's emotional attachment often leads her to argue with Governor Bellingham to let her keep Pearl. Hester, Chillingworth, and Dimmesdale are all caught in " a great scandal", or bizarre love triangle (57). Dimmesdale and Hester both retain an undying love for one another, but Chillingworth always seems to subsist in the middle. The "excitement of Dimmesdale's feelings" towards Hester give him a sort of new energy (196). Chillingworth loves his young wife, but knows he could not possibly ever exist as the type of man to make her a befitting husband. Hester holds both Dimmesdale and Pearl so dearly her heart. Pearl also bestows a persistent love towards Dimmesdale. Despite this, Dimmesdale does not, until the end, publicly announce his love for them. Receiving only excuses from him, Pearl yearns for Dimmesdale's love. He so profoundly asserts the importance of his reputation that he does not let Hester or Pearl inside of his life. He denies himself of a love that he so desperately needs during his mental and physical breakdown, towards the end.

Throughout the novel Nathaniel Hawthorne often reveals the theme of alienation. The townspeople generally shun Hester and her daughter Pearl. The Scarlet Letter 'A' alienates Hester among society and casts a lurid glow upon her pathway. Not of "such a Christian nature" Hester's sin alienates her among

Some common words found in the essay are:
Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne, Letter Puritans, Dimmesdale Hester, Hester Pearl, Letter Born, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Puritans Society, Despite Dimmesdale, Puritans Hawthorne, scarlet letter, themes sin alienation, sin alienation love, themes sin, eyes puritans, sin alienation, alienation love, reveals theme, dimmesdale publicly announce, dimmesdale publicly, constant reminder sin, reminder sin, scarlet letter 'a', letter 'a', constant reminder,
Approximate Word count = 1069
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)