The Rhetoric of Respect The nature of an individual’s actions often dictate one’s moral value and respectability. Although one may be burdened by unfortunate situations, the courses of actions taken in accordance with a situation often determine one’s reputation. In The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne, although a woman of disgraceful standing in society, earns respect through her actions that embody her ethical resoluteness. Hawthorne portrays Hester’s moral behavior with literary devices that build her into an admirable character. Through expansive symbolism that reveals her moral genuinity, the author forges Hester Prynne into a respectable character who possesses both strength and integrity. The scaffold to which Hester stands upon symbolizes
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The letter initially and intentionally stands for “Adulteress,” but the significance of the brand alters as Hester proves her goodness time and time again. Hester’s reputation evolves into one of grace with her providing aid to those who are less fortunate than her, constantly contributing to the community to the point where “many people refused to interpret the scarlet A by its original signification. They said it meant Able; so strong was Hester Prynne” (111). During her seven years of living in isolation, Hester remained steadfast in her benevolence, despite her letter’s burden. The letter serves as a constant reminder of her actions; however, its connotation alters as societal views change. Her grace becomes so apparent that even the Puritan community, which shamed Hester and deemed her a symbol of evil, could not help but change their views on her and on the label they tormented her with. Since Hester’s actions repeatedly impresses an image of worthiness, the letter morphs from a representation of sin into a representation of virtue. Living in a legalistic community, Hester acts beyond the scope of good works to the point where she redeems herself and her letter through the grace of a society that prioritizes innocence over
The letter initially and intentionally stands for “Adulteress,” but the significance of the brand alters as Hester proves her goodness time and time again. Hester’s reputation evolves into one of grace with her providing aid to those who are less fortunate than her, constantly contributing to the community to the point where “many people refused to interpret the scarlet A by its original signification. They said it meant Able; so strong was Hester Prynne” (111). During her seven years of living in isolation, Hester remained steadfast in her benevolence, despite her letter’s burden. The letter serves as a constant reminder of her actions; however, its connotation alters as societal views change. Her grace becomes so apparent that even the Puritan community, which shamed Hester and deemed her a symbol of evil, could not help but change their views on her and on the label they tormented her with. Since Hester’s actions repeatedly impresses an image of worthiness, the letter morphs from a representation of sin into a representation of virtue. Living in a legalistic community, Hester acts beyond the scope of good works to the point where she redeems herself and her letter through the grace of a society that prioritizes innocence over