The Scarlet Letter is a classic novel about sin and suffering written by Nathanial Hawthorne. Suffering is apparent in all three of the main characters in the book, Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth, and Hester Prynne. One theme in direct relationship with the idea of sin that develops throughout the novel is that hidden guilt causes much more pain and suffering than open guilt. Since Arthur Dimmesdale is punished by himself and Roger Chillingworth, flawed by hypocrisy, and plagued with hidden guilt, he is the greatest sufferer.

Together, Hester and Arthur committed the sin of adultery. Hester becomes pregnant and becomes subject to open guilt. As a punishment, Hester is forced to wear the "Scarlet Letter" on her dress and must stand on the scaffold with her child so the whole town knows what she has done. Hester does not only endure humiliation, but she becomes isolated by the...