Hesters Story
Regarding 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
Soon, even the interpretation of her punishment changed. She never revealed the name of her ex-lover, Dimmesdale, because she believed that it was her duty to face the consequences. She provided help and comfort for all that needed them. As the story progressed, Hester put aside her pride and placed her priority in Pearl, her daughter. "'Do you see that woman with the embroidered badge?' they would say to strangers. "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. She learned to be more self-reliant and when forced to take up embroidery to support her child. In order to secure a promising future for her daughter, Hester tossed aside her pride to transform into a model citizen. 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.
Common topics in this essay:
Scarlet Letter,
Pearl Hester,
pearl daughter,
hester's story,
scarlet letter,
aside pride,
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