Anti-Transcendentalism is described as the darker side of human nature. It also deals with good versus evil and the dark side of romanticism. In The Scarlet Letter, these elements are evident in several areas. For example, Roger Chillingworth exemplifies the darker side of human nature. This is evident through his vengeful tactics and malicious ways. His entire purpose and being is focused on the demise of Dimmesdale. He tortures and torments Dimmesdale throughout the novel and feels no remorse for it.
One example of good versus evil is Dimmesdale against Chillingworth. Dimmesdale, who already feels a great deal of guilt for his sin, is being taken advantage of by Chillingworth. He is completely unaware of Chillingworth's motives for most of the story and undergoes a lot of torture, not only from himself, but also from Chillingworth.
Another example of good versus evil is Pearl against her mother's sin. Pearl, an innocent, pure child is affected greatly by her mother's sin. Because of the sin that her mother has committed, she is a social outcast. She has no friends. The other Puritan children look down upon her. Because of the sin her mother has committed she will always remain an outcast.
Probably the greatest show of good versus evil is Hester and Pearl versus Puritan society. Hester's sin has caused her so much humiliation. The Puritan society shuns her and scorns her for what she did. She and Pearl are looked down upon and disrespected in the town. Because of the strict Puritan code, Hester and Pearl become inferior beings and are social outcasts of the town.