ABSTRACT
This paper first studies the previous researches about Hawthorne’s view on sin and evil at home and abroad, and then combines the universal definition of sin and evil to make a general analysis of Hawthorne’s view on sin and evil. Regarding the original novel The Scarlet Letter and its translation as the material source, it then respectively elaborates Hawthorne’s view on sin and evil showing on four main characters in this novel. It finally explores the influencing factors which exerted great influence on the formation of Hawthorne’s view from social aspect and family aspect. It aims to elaborate Hawthorne’s view on sin and evil in The Scarlet Letter so as to enable readers to deeply understand and appreciate Hawthorne’s novels.
Key words：Hawthorne; The Scarlet Letter; the view on sin and evil
Contents
1．Introduction 1
2．Literary Review 2
2.1 The definition of sin and evil 2
2.2 Research on Hawthorne’s view of sin and evil at home and abroad 3
3．Hawthorne’s view on sin and evil in The Scarlet Letter 7
3.1 The embodiment of sin and evil on Hester Prynne 7
3.2 The embodiment of sin and evil on Pearl 8
3.3 The embodiment of sin and evil on Arthur Dimmesdale 8
3.4 The embodiment of sin and evil on Roger Chillingworth 9
4．Factors for influencing Hawthorne’s view on sin and evil 11
4.1 Family factors 11
4.2 Social factors 12
5．Conclusion 13
Acknowledgements 14
References 15
