1. Wearing the Scarlet Letter: The primary form of atonement in the novel is the protagonist Hester Prynne's act of wearing the scarlet letter "A" on her chest. This lifelong punishment serves as a constant reminder of her sin (adultery), but she transforms it into a symbol of penance, strength, and compassion.
2. Isolation and Public Humiliation: Hester faces public humiliation and social isolation as a consequence of her sin. By confining herself and her daughter, Pearl, to a life on the outskirts of town, she endures years of judgment and reproach. This form of self-imposed isolation serves as a form of atonement.
3. Good Deeds and Charity: Despite her ostracization, Hester becomes known for her charitable acts and selflessness. She uses her skills as a seamstress to create elaborate embroidery and provides medical care to those in need. These good deeds help redeem her image and earn the respect of some within the community.
4. Acceptance and Confession: Roger Chillingworth, Hester's estranged husband, seeks revenge against the man who committed adultery with her, Arthur Dimmesdale. However, as his obsession turns destructive, Chillingworth eventually confronts his own role in causing pain and seeks a form of absolution by revealing his true identity.
5. Moral and Psychological Turmoil: Arthur Dimmesdale, the adulterous minister, suffers immense guilt and mental anguish due to his hidden sin. While he publicly espouses religious values, he carries the inner burden of deceit and hypocrisy. Dimmesdale undergoes a gradual process of self-punishment through intense self-loathing and his declining physical health.
6. Public Confession and Penance: In the novel's climax, Dimmesdale publicly confesses his sin during an Election Day sermon. By exposing his guilt, he hopes to find redemption and release from his inner torment. This act leads to his death but is viewed as a noble and courageous atonement.
7. Escape and New Beginning: Hester and Pearl eventually decide to escape the oppressive Puritan society and seek a new beginning elsewhere. This physical journey can be seen as a journey toward freedom and redemption, a chance to leave behind the stigma of their past and seek a more compassionate and understanding world.
Through these actions and experiences, various characters in "The Scarlet Letter" attempt to rectify or compensate for their wrongdoings and find different paths towards redemption, reconciliation, or a form of self-forgiveness.