To excuse for a fault or an offense - to renounce anger or resentment against – to overlook – possessing the ability to forgive not only displays character in both Hester Prynne and Mr. Arthur Dimmesdale, but it also enables them to live more blissful and fulfilling lives.
             Hester Prynne, the protagonist of The Scarlet Letter, is a woman of such character, that she has the capability of enduring the pain and anguish, which the scarlet letter brings to her life. For seven years, Hester was burdened by the disgusted and callous gazes, which she received from the townspeople, and not once did she respond to their ignorance. She was viewed as not even human; she was treated as if she were just a mere representation of evil and shame, which should be void of contact at every possible instance.
             Forgiveness was not an issue for Hester when concerning Arthur Dimmesdale; she did not, in any way a hold a grudge against him for his actions. She never threw the fact that she was suffering in his face, she never asked him to confess his sin, and she never expected anything from him, when it came to their daughter, Pearl. It seems that Hester would rather take the blame for the entirety of their sins, than see Dimmesdale's reputation or future in risk of danger. "Never!" replied Hester Prynne, looking, not at Mr. Wilson, but into the deep and troubled eyes of the younger clergyman. "It is too deeply branded. Ye cannot take it off. And would that I might endure his agony, as well as mine!" (Ch. 3 Pg.66)
             In the same manner, Hester did not view Pearl as a punishment or consequence of her actions; she loved Pearl, and would sacrifice anything for her well-being. "God gave me the child!" cried she. "He gave her in requital of all things else, which ye had taken from me. She is my happiness! – She is my torture none the less! Pearl keeps me here in life! Pearl punishes me too! See ye not, sh...