Free Essay - Power of Guilt in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter :: Scarlet Letter essays

Power of transgression in The Scarlet Letter   If a tree falls in the woods and no one is in that respect to hear it, did it make a sound? This saying brings me to my thesis of Guilt Without Confession leads to Great Consequences in The Scarlet Letter.   If a vulcanized fiber does something wrong but no one knows, that character can both gain and lose from what they realize done. This happens multiple times in The Scaret Letter. Characters contribute evil deeds, some are caught, some are not. For those that arent caught, they have a decision to make. To turn themselves in or to live their lives as if it neer happened. For those that choose to live on as if it never happened they are confront with a tough road ahead. They have to deal with the guilt of what theyve done. wholly the while, they must watch to see if anyone is on to them or suspects them of the abuse they have commited. However they are rewarded. They get to live on as a regular member of society rather than be imprisoned or even worse, put to death. These are examples of characters who have commited crimes without confessing.   Arthur Dimmesdale is a minister, a father, a sinner and a man who feels incredible guilt. He commits adultery with Hester earlier the book begins. As the book begins it is revealed he is the true father of Hesters infant off-white. Dimmesdale, afraid of losing his status and being humiliated , does not confess his crime. For this this he is rewarded and greatly punished. He is rewarded by keeping his status in the community. He continues to preach to his flock, for which he gains great acclaim. He is able to see Hester and Pearl whenever he wants. He is also free to word of farewell anytime he wants. He has his freedom and his reputation. However, he also has something he doesnt want, his conscience. How unfortunate it is a mortal can get away from being caught for a crime. A crime that is punishable by death. Yet, he cant enjoy it. Most people wo uld leave town, sorry for that theyve done, but ecstatic they got away to start a raw life. Not Dimmesdale, not Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. He beats himself up everyplace it. Usually thats an analogy, but not this time.