Style in literature is the way an author uses different literary elements to convey how words are used. In the story The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hawthorne uses a unique writing style where he uses symbolism to enhance his text. Both of these elements help to heighten the theme of punishment of sin and isolation, which are portrayed through the main characters, Hester Prynne and Pearl in the chapter. These characters embody the theme in different ways due to their different backgrounds and actions in the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One of the main themes of The Scarlet Letter is the punishment of sin which is expressed through the Hester characters. Heste lives a horrible life due to committing an unforgivable sin which leads to her having a child in prison and being branded with the scarlet letter which is an "A". She is shunned by society and becomes a social pariah of the Puritan community. Hawthorne writes: “Mother,” said little Pearl, “the sun does not love you. He runs away and hides, because he is afraid of something in your bosom. Now, look! There he is, playing well. Stay here and let me run and get it. I am but a child. He will not run away from me, because I still have nothing on my chest!” The sun symbolizes how society treats her like a criminal due to her scarlet letter which conveys the theme of punishment of sin. Ultimately, thanks to society's treatment, she is able to become a stronger woman, capable of helping others facing similar problems to hers. Pearl did not face punishment like her mother, but was instead isolated from society because she did not. She did not commit any sin but was punished indirectly because she was the product of adultery considered impious. The inhabitants of the town completely isolate her, especially the other children who throw stones and other things at her. Hawthorne conveys Pearl's isolation in the chapter The Walk in the Forest when he writes, "Pearl set off at a great pace, and, while Hester smiled as she perceived it, she actually caught the sunlight and stood laughing in the midst of it, all illuminated by its splendor ". , and sparkling with the vivacity excited by rapid movement. The light lingered around the lonely little girl, as if happy to have such a playmate, until her mother had come close enough to enter the magic circle too. This exemplifies Pearl being affected by Hester's sin as she is alone but unlike Hester, she is not tied to the Boogeyman and the sunshine willingly accepts her. The Boogeyman symbolizing the devil and the sunlight symbolizing the innocence and freedom of sin that Pearl possesses explains how unique she is compared to everyone else and yet she is still isolated. Pearl is ultimately successful and is able to live a comfortable life even though she has faced many hardships. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay As seen from the essay, Hawthorne highlights his theme of feeling of sin and redemption through the protagonists Hester Prynne and Pearl. Hester's sin was the root cause of everyone's suffering, including her own daughters. Both characters in the novel are very similar and face the same problems of isolation and punishment of sin. Hester struggles with life and being punished for her sins causes her to see flaws and accept others while Pearl is punished for no reason and is forced to be isolated from the rest of society. In the end both