In an introductory paragraph to the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Perkins and Perkins say that "Hawthorne elevated some of the darkest events of the colonial period and transformed into universal themes and questions” (Perkins 433). One of these themes is that of the penalty of sin. In Romans 6:23, Paul says that "the wages of sin is death" and Hawthorne seems to share this view, or at least some version of it. This view prevails in his novel The Scarlet Letter. In it, the punishment for Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale's sin is a disfigured and unnatural family. Dimmesdale, the "father" of this family turns away from his patriarchal duties and stands by while he lets Hester do all the work regarding Pearl. . First of all, Dimmesdale is absent for most of Pearl's life. He is present in the city but almost never sees Pearl, even though she is his daughter. He says that Pearl has only shown him kindness "twice in her little life" (Hawthorne Ch.19). Over seven entire years, Dimmesdale and Pearl only shared two significant moments together. Dimmesdale clearly avoided his duties as Pearl's father. Even if she is illegitimate, it is his responsibility to help raise her. He also doesn't directly deal with Pearl when she acts like a crazy animal. He implores Hester to calm her down, telling her to “pacify her,” by any means necessary to show her “if you love me!” » (Hawthorne Ch. 19). Hawthorne uses specific imagery through his characters' words to show how Dimmesdale is running away from his responsibilities as a father. As a father, Dimmesdale should raise his child to become an active member of Massachusetts Puritan society. Instead of doing this, Dimmesd...... middle of paper ......, but that is exactly what Pearl does to Hester and Dimmesdale. Obviously, during the forest scene, Hawthorne gives the reader a sense of how unnatural this family born from a single adulterous act is. This highlights Hawthorne's romantic views as he shows how detestable an unnatural family is. In a much broader sense, it gives the reader insight into Hawthorne's personal theology. He strongly believes in the serious consequences of sin and this is evident in his novel. Works Cited Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The scarlet letter. 1850. New York: Bantam Dell, 2003. Print Perkins, George and Barbara Perkins. “Nathaniel Hawthorne.” The American literary tradition. Ed. Perkins and Perkins. 12th ed. Ed. concise. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2007. 433-36. Print.The Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1996. Print.