Hester’s StoryHester’s StoryRegarding The Scarlet Letter, the subject of of the main character has been widely debated by all.
Some say that it is Hester’s story, while others insist that it is Dimmesdale’s story. Personally, it’s quite obvious to me that the novel is centered around Hester, for she’s the character that develops and grows the most. Throughout the story, Hester matured, became more independent and earned the respect of the townspeople. When Hester was first released from prison, she was openly defiant towards the townspeople.
To rebel against her punishment, she elaborately embroidered the scarlet A into a beautiful work of art. Her pride demanded that she held her head high and not conform to the Puritan ways. ?Those who had before know her?in which she was enveloped. ? (56).
As the story progressed, Hester put aside her pride and placed her priority in Pearl, her daughter. She learned to be more self-reliant and when forced to take up embroidery to support her child. In addition, she worked hard to remain chaste and help the unfortunate to build a role for Pearl as the daughter of a respected woman, instead of as an illegitimate bastard of a condemned criminal. Hester’s dilligence and kindness won over the respect and admiration of the townspeople, who had earlier ostracized her.
She provided help and comfort for all that needed them. Soon, even the interpretation of her punishment changed. People began to say that the scarlet A meant Able, for it reprented Hester’s helpfulness. ??Do you see that woman with the embroidered badge?’ they would say to strangers.
?It is our Hester-the town’s own Hester, who is so kind to the poor, so helpful to the sick, so comfortable to the afflicted. ‘? From the very beginning, Hester took responsibility for her actions. She never revealed the name of her ex-lover, Dimmesdale, because she believed that it was her duty to face the consequences. In order to secure a promising future for her daughter, Hester tossed aside her pride to transform into a model citizen.
By making the best out of her circumstances, she earned the admiration of her peers, who were impressed by her courage and determination. After leaving New England to arrange a marriage for Pearl, Hester returned by her own free will to live out the terms of her punishment. ?But, in the lapse of the toilsome, thoughtful, and self-devoted years that made up Hester’s life, the scarlet letter ceased to be a stigma which attracted the world’s scorn and bitterness, and became a type of something to be sorrowed over, and looked upon with awe, yet with reverance too. ? (273). Through it all, she matured and grew not only as a woman, but also as a survivor. English Essays
