Evolution is defined as "a process of change" (Webster's Dictionary), and it has been demonstrated many times in the past that sin is a direct process that leads to change in one's spiritual life as well as in the carnal one. The three main characters, Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Scarlet Letter, are all revealed to be sinners and, for better or worse, reveal the "evolution" of sin in their lives. Hawthorne reveals a lucid portrait of this change by providing the reader with insight into the deepest chambers of the characters' thoughts regarding this sin. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayHester Prynne initially appears to the reader as a horrible and unjust woman, about whom all the "pious" and "righteous" Puritans have gossiped, but yet it is stated "...seen in this beautiful woman...an object that reminded him of the image of the Divine Maternity..."(54). This statement demonstrates that she gives the onlookers a vision of the Virgin Mary, beautiful, innocent and pure. Upon her return to prison she explodes into an emotional frenzy and is "...found in a state of nervous excitement..." (67) leaving Master Brackett uncertain as to what he should do with this "possessed". " woman. However, her independence is revealed when she takes up a sewing profession, which allowed Hester "... to provide food for her flourishing child and for herself." (78) This statement shows that Hester was seeking to let this sin and its living sign of sin (Pearl) positively affect her and help her achieve the redemption she so faithfully sought. Beginning in the thirteenth chapter and so on, Hester's position in Puritan society begins to transform herself from an "unjust slut" into a "...self-proclaimed Sister of Mercy..." (158) and regains the notoriety of some of her former scoffers through her gentleness, kindness, generosity, and merciful nature in The Scarlet Letter." A" has evolved from meaning "adultery" to a strong interpretation as "skillful." Soon the reader is shown a happy Hester with "...the thrill of another joy" (200) when she and the Dimmesdale's love reunite in chapter seventeen. Although her sin was not forgotten, it simply remained dormant, and so dormant that Hester's heart no longer felt the burden after she removed the Scarlet Letter. In the end Hester once again reveals to the reader her strength and that she was and is, now more than ever, the backbone of the story when she helped bring Dimmesdale to the gallows. This sin "evolved" Hester, not into a viler sinner, but into a more caring, compassionate, and merciful human being, which shows not only that the Scarlet Letter showed her purpose, but also that her faith and determination in God they allowed her not to remain dismayed and tied to her sin, but to prosper in the glory and grace that God gives us. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Furthermore, Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” While this may not be considered "accurate" to some due to differing theological doctrines, this makes the reader reflect on the fact that Hester died spiritually at the time of this sin, that she was reborn once again and cleansed by the wonderful hand of God , through his faith in his Lord and Heavenly Father. This thought demonstrates that Hester has "evolved" her life into a more faithful and humble one because of this sin, which in the long run has increased her spiritual walk with God.Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale's character is revealed as a "...pale young man..." (63) with "...eloquence of religious fervor...and a dewy purity of thought" (64). Never would such a "pious" and "religious" reverend commit such an act as adultery, but it is proven that not even the revered Arthur Dimmesdale was blameless, for in Romans 3:23-24 we read, "All have sinned and fall." .without the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is Christ Jesus..." As the novel continues, the reader sees that this remarkable reverend is slowing death. Despite the protests of Dimmesdale, "I don't need medicine. .." (118), the Puritan community sees it as Providence that Chillingworth is his doctor to cure him of his illness. Dimmesdale becomes "...weak..." (139) in body structure and his cheeks grow every Sabbath he turned pale. Although he was greatly revered, his mind only considered it a greater burden that he was a "false prophet" and a "hypocrite" who had led so many "pious" men and women to disillusionment with his true one Dimmesdale himself resorted to whipping his back, and had horrible visions regarding Hester and Pearl. Chapter seventeen reveals to Hester that he is "...very unhappy..." (188) and says that his life was ".. .all falsehood!" (188). After delivering his most prestigious sermon to date, as the progression continued towards the market, in an act of total fracture and yet strength, he lifts the weight of his burden. sin and confesses before to the whole crowd his adultery, and with a very appropriate saying, his last words were: «God is merciful... Praise be to his name!»(252). This incident tells the reader that Dimmesdale knew that God was not responsible for the pain he felt in those seven years and that it was sent by the devil. Dimmesdale also indicates that "every kind of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men" (Matthew 12:31), meaning that God would not punish him for a sin of which he had repented and which God had forgiven. Thus, although the minister's "evolution of sin" did not have as positive an effect as on Hester, it did help him "evolve" more in his faith and, counting on that faith in the end, grant him redemption through grace mercy of God. Roger Chillingworth, otherwise known as Roger Prynne, was known throughout the Puritan community as "...the skillful man, the kind and friendly physician..." (120). After seeing his once pure bride stand on the "pedestal of shame" bearing her mark of sin, he was driven to "...a quiet depth of malice..." (136) as he sought revenge on the man who had stolen his wife. Jesus says that revenge is unjust, saying, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who use you and persecute you with contempt.” (Matthew 5:44) Yet, instead of following God's direct will, he is bent on vengeance and thus becomes a prisoner of sin. In John 8:34 it says, “…Whoever commits sin is a slave to sin.” While all people commit sin, it is those who dwell in that sin and constantly repeat the sin who become servants of that sin, and Roger Chillingworth becomes a true disciple of vengeance. Hester thought that this quest for revenge transformed the old scholar from "...a wise and just man into a demon."(170). Reverend Dimmesdale compares Chillingworth's sin to Hester's and his own and states that Chillingworth was the vilest sinner because he "violated the sanctity of a human heart." (191). Dimmesdale realizes that Chillingworth is a "...mortal enemy..." (192) with "...an evil evil disturbed..." (247) and capable of any devious and infernal deed. The.."