How Hester Changes: The strength of her character Essay Example

someone more saintly like a martyr. The task proves to be both physically and emotionally exhausting for both Hester and Pearl.Hester committed adultery and the Puritan society refuses to forgive her, subjecting her to shame, embarrassment, ridicule, and public humiliation on the scaffold. Her punishment is made worse by the constant reminder of her sin in the form of her child, Pearl. Pearl is devilish and indifferent to Puritan society, difficult to please and constantly mocking authority. Hester and Pearl are secluded in a small cottage outside of town where Hester hides her beauty under a cap. Only Pearl can see the real Hester. When Hester removes the letter A from her chest, Pearl angrily demands that she put it back on along with her cap. With these symbols in place, Hester's beauty and womanhood fade away.Hester's removal of her cap and scarlet letter symbolizes the rejection of the stern and rigid social and moral codes imposed by the Puritans. As a punishment for her adultery, she was forced to wear the scarlet letter "A" on her bosom, publicly displaying her sin and enduring humiliating treatment. Despite this, Hester exhibited pride by embellishing the "A" with gold embroidery, impressing her community. Forgiveness is a central theme in both the novel and in life, with all three main characters needing it or giving it. The impact of forgiveness on their lives is evident, with some receiving it and others not. Dimmesdale needed forgiveness for his affair with Hester, instead punishing himself for years until finally confessing. Hester needed forgiveness from her husband, townspeople, and daughter for her infidelity, choosing to keep the father's identity a secret

by wearing the scarlet letter.

The Scarlet Letter "A" worn by Hester became known as "able" after she was forgiven by Pearl and the town's people, instead of being associated with her adultery (146). However, Timescale never forgave Chlorinating for their actions with Hester, and their lack of forgiveness led to their deaths. This highlights the importance of giving and receiving forgiveness, as demonstrated by Hester's acceptance back into the community after receiving forgiveness, while Timescale and Chlorinating suffered greatly. Time alone cannot heal wounds - only forgiveness can. Hester's strength, honesty and compassion carried her through a life she never imagined. After Timescale and Chlorinating's deaths, Pearl married while Hester lived alone in their little cottage in Boston, becoming a legend in the town. Throughout the Scarlet Letter, Hester is portrayed as an intelligent and capable woman whose extraordinary circumstances shaped her into an important figure. Spark notes suggests that she found more peace through her suffering.