Answer:
A consequence of sin is the ability to recognize it in others, or so says the text seemingly. Where is this displayed in the text for Hester, Dimmesdale, Hibbins, Chillingworth?
One consequence of sin in THE SCARLET LETTER is that the sinner acquires the ability to sense or recognize the sins of others. For example, in Chapter 5, Hester realizes that the scarlet letter she wears gives her “a sympathetic knowledge of the hidden sins in other hearts.” Show how the same kind of insight is possessed by Chillingworth, Dimmesdale, and Mistress Hibbens.
Chillingworth saw the sin in the pastor because he sought to infest in even more. Plus, at the end he wanted to follow them across the ocean in the same boat to sear even more pain in the pastor.
Hibbens was a witch that spook to the Devil and also I think understood the dark side of human nature. I think she saw the simularities in Pearl and the minister and saw the clues of his actions to put two together. She had worshiped the Devil so she had sin so she could see the sin done by others.
Dimmesdale's sin made him physically ill, but still had to uphold his position as a preacher. He knows if the community found out that he had committed such sin, there would be chaos.
Do you agree in life this is true?
Yes, I believe that in life this is true, because you only can recognize something that you already know about. You can't recognize something if you don't have knowledge about it.
