Scarlet Letter
The scarlet letter proved to be more than just a symbol of one's sin. It soon had the whole town in an uproar and soon became the talk of the whole town. At first the scarlet letter represents adultery but after time, it symbolizes many reasons, some positive but others negative. The greatly embroidered scarlet letter impacts Hester's life by surrounding her with shame. The scarlet letter not only lowered her self-esteem but also excluded Hester from society. "...It could not entirely cast her off...In all her intercourse with society, however, there was nothing that made her feel as if she belonged to it,"(p. 87)The letter caused her to have a shameful feeling around society and for her to become secluded. The constant reminder of her sin was Pearl and the scarlet letter sewn on her chest. Even though excluded for the most part, hest attempted to be seen and interact with others. " Hester Pyrnne went one day to the mansion of Governor Bellingham with a pair of gloves,"(p.101)Hester could not be confined to just her cottage with Pearl. Having no supply of food or money, she was forced to go out into public to collect these things, thus interacting with others. It was on
Pearl as a living example of Hester's sin and it could be seen by the towns' people's reactions toward her. 183)As people began to interpret their own meaning of the scarlet letter, it took on personal meanings of their own. Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom! Mine burns in secret,"(p. The scarlet letter caused Hester to walk through town in shame and with her head held low. 100)Pearl had every right to know who her father was, and lead a normal life, Hester's sin did not allow Pearl to do so. Common in those days than to interpret all meteoric appearances, and other natural phenomena that occurred. Pearl was looked down at as much as her mother Hester. Seeing and being with Pearl every minute made Hester's sin impossible to ignore. The scarlet letter was blamed for many of the troubles in the small town. 81)Not only was Hester reminded of Pearl by herself, but others made sure that Pearl's presence was known. The shame and feeling of guilt that came with the scarlet letter was displayed by Hester's interactions with the town's people and those closest to her. Rumors of the scarlet letter would further destroy Hester's chance of a normal life.
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