The Scarlet Letter Theme of Fate and Free Will

The world of The Scarlet Letter is a religious one that believes in fate and in the idea that each person’s life follows a specific and set path. Puritans believed in Divine Providence, or the idea that God was a guide who controlled every aspect of life, or, more specifically, of a nation’s livelihood. They believed God worked toward bringing about good, and they looked for messages and signs from him through the celestial occurrences (like meteors). Characters in this novel constantly struggle between letting fate run its course and choosing a path for themselves. Those who are ostracized by society seem more able to forge a life of their own.

1. Who exercises free will in this story?
2. Does Hester believe in fate or in free will? Do her beliefs change over the course of this story?
3. Is Dimmesdale's refusal to publicly declare himself to be Pearl’s father a result of fate or free will?
4. What do the characters mean when they refer to “Providence"?

Hester believes she is fated to wear her scarlet letter for the rest of her life.

Dimmesdale’s final act of confession is an act of free will and choice.