In the article, “Social Isolation: It could Kill you” by Amy Novotney, Novotney addresses who experiences loneliness, the negative effects of it, and how to combat loneliness.

The first thing the article addresses is the difference between solitude and loneliness. For example, a person can be physically alone, but does not experience the adverse effects of loneliness because they don’t perceive themselves to be lonely. However, the article says that people can be in “[...] subways, in a classroom, or even with spouses and children” and still feel like they’re in a bubble all by themself.

This distinct difference of solitude and loneliness can best be seen in Pearl and Hester. Pearl, who does not perceive herself as an outcast is able to have a cheerful disposition while Hester is unable to.

The effects of loneliness is detrimental. Feeling lonely is linked to premature death. The article also mentions how there is “evidence linking perceived social isolation with [...] depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function, and impaired immunity at every stage of life”

These negative effects are best seen in the character of Arthur Dimmesdale. Feeling isolated from the sin he has committed, Dimmesdale is characterized to be sickly and constantly grasping at his heart.

The effects of loneliness is obviously harmful. To combat loneliness, the articles suggest that“[...] addressing the negative thoughts underlying loneliness in the first place seem to help combat loneliness more than those designed to improve social skills, enhance social support or increase opportunities for social interaction”

This method is something that Hester seems to do in the Scarlet Letter. Hester recognizes how her actions caused her to be shunned by the community, so she then focuses her efforts towards raising her daughter and helping the community. Hester grows significantly as a character, while Dimmesdale continues to spiral downward as he fails to properly address his issues.

All in all, The Scarlet Letter shows the effects of isolation and the growth it can spur through its characters. Isolation can cause damaging effects on a person’s health and psyche, but a person can grow from it if they take the time to address and solve the conflict they may be experiencing.