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Everything Has Meaning In the Scarlet Letter, the major themes are based on the impact of sin and confession. Although themes of story are generally based on Hawthornes opinions of the subject, a slightly different perspective is expressed through each character. Through detailed characterization and symbolism, Hawthorne has crafted many important themes. While the bases of the themes are similar, three main characters: Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, all express different interpretations of their meanings. In the novel, many of the themes are based upon the failures of the Puritan society. A character that is used to express one of these main ideas is Hester Prynne, a woman who committed adultery. The Puritan townsfolk believe that her sinful act is a threat to society and decide that she should be punished. As a punishment for her sinful acts, the Puritans have demanded her into wearing the scarlet letter and forced her into a state of outcast.
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