her as an everlasting reminder of her sinful actions (Bloom 34). Guilt is a consequence of sin that Hester has to endure throughout her life. Hester's guilt begins starts to have a profound effect on her life and thinking.
             Hester's guilt has become very influential in her life making her unable to express herself freely. "Hester Prynne might have repaid them all with a bitter and disdainful smile. But under the leaden infliction which it was her doom to endure, she felt at moments as if she must needs (to) shriek" (Hawthorne 52-53). Hester's guilt has surfaced fully because when she wants to simply express herself she is prevented from doing so due to her guilty conscience. She wants to take revenge on everyone that has passed judgment on her by giving them a "disdainful smile" (Hawthorne 53), but she is fearful that she might start feeling guilty for doing such a thing. "The crowd was somber and grave" (Hawthorne 52). Hester can't lash out against the crowd and express her anger because she will feel horrible. What can Hester do now? "She behaves as a sister of mercy in the community because this is the way to live unmolested not because she believes in doing good" (Baym 36). Hester is forced!
             to act with good intentions towards others making it seem like she is
             ...