The theme of ‘Crime’ and ‘Punishment’ as Presented in Hawthorne’s Novel ‘The Scarlet Letter’. 

Answer

Comment on the theme of ‘crime’ and ‘punishment as presented in Hawthrone’s ‘The Scarlet Letter’. [2019] ✪✪✪

Or, Comment on the theme of crime and punishment in the novel The Scarlet Letter. [2017]

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864), in “The Scarlet Letter” (1850), presents a deep moral study of crime and punishment in a strict Puritan society. The story of Hester Prynne shows that human law and divine law are often different. Hawthorne treats sin not as a crime against man but as a weakness of the heart. He shows how punishment should purify the soul, not destroy it. The novel explores both justice and mercy through human suffering and repentance.

The Sin of Passion: Hester’s act of adultery is the central crime of the novel. Yet Hawthorne treats it with sympathy, not hatred. The narrator says, 

“This had been a sin of passion, not of principle, nor even purpose.” 

Her act comes from emotion, not evil intent. The Puritans see it as a crime deserving shame. But Hawthorne sees it as a moral error that brings growth. Through Hester’s suffering, he shows that sin can lead to moral strength and spiritual wisdom, not eternal ruin.

Harsh Law and Cruel Punishment: The punishment given to Hester is severe. She must stand on the scaffold and wear the scarlet “A” forever. A woman says, 

“Let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will be always in her heart.” 

Her punishment is public, lifelong, and full of pain. Hawthorne criticizes the Puritan system that values shame over mercy. The people see her as evil, but her punishment turns her into a symbol of patience and courage. Thus, moral truth grows from suffering.

Dimmesdale’s Secret Crime: Dimmesdale commits the same sin as Hester but hides it. He becomes a symbol of spiritual crime—sin concealed from the world. He says of Chillingworth, 

“He has violated, in cold blood, the sanctity of a human heart.” 

This line