How Does Hester Prynne Change In The Scarlet Letter

Individuals tend to judge themselves and others based on questionable life choices. In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, many characters submitted themselves to partake in sinful acts. Some accepted the consequences for their actions and tried to redeem themselves. Specifically, Hester Prynne committed the sin of adultery and was publicly shamed for her actions. The community viewed Hester and her child as a sinner and the product of sin. Alternatively, some held their guilt within, allowing it to fester until it came out with fury in the future. Reverend Dimmesdale, Hester’s partner in sin, was one of those characters. Dimmesdale allowed for his guilt to consume him, affecting his health and well-being. In the early chapters of the novel, the scarlet letter was viewed as a negative stigma, but as the story continued, it transitioned into a positive symbol of hope, strength, and redemption. …show more content…
Originally, the scarlet letter was symbolic of adultery. When Hester Prynne was publicly condemned for committing her sin, all eyes were on the prominent letter sewn to the breast of her gown. The letter “A” on Hester’s gown was conspicuous, as it was “surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread” (37). This letter drew all attention to Hester and her daughter, Pearl. With this stigma came the wrath and gossip of the Puritan townspeople. The town viewed her as a sinner, and believed she brought dishonor to them all. One woman of the town exclaimed, “‘This woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die”’ (36). The Puritans did not take Hester’s sin lightly, therefore, they sought to do all they could to punish her. Even though the scarlet letter was viewed negatively toward the beginning of the novel, its meaning changed remarkably over