The Scarlet Letter Essay Example for Free

The ruddy Letter EssayDoesnt redemption require more than just a simple inconsolable? Nathaniel Hawthorne uses the permitter A to prove redemption may be possible through ones admirable typifyions. As stated in The Scarlet Letter, Many people refused to interpret the scarlet A by its original signification. (Hawthorne 111) meaning Hester Prynne changed the view that others had of her because of her scarlet letter. The punishment from a womens wrongdoing was briefly interpreted from a symbol of goof to a symbol of kindness due to redemption. Hester engages in a variety of acts that turned her from being classified as a horrible human being, into being an idol to the majority of the town. Hester demonstrates what it is like to be an outcast in society. When the town finds out that Hester had committed adultery, everybody views her differently than before. They save see her as a transgressner and they either gather to watch her be humiliated and punished in front of the re st of the town. Although Hester did not atone committing her sin, the opinions of others still affect her in a certain way. She is shameful, but not remorseful.As proven, Hesters thoughts are revealed as, Like wholly other joys, she rejected it as a sin. (Hawthorne 57) Hawthorne mentions that The exception indicated the ever relentless vigor with which society frowned upon her sin. (Hawthorne 57) This quote proves that society has an entirely different view on Hester just because she result right away have a scarlet letter on her breast. During this time, Puritans viewed Hesters sin in the same way present day society views murder, which is why everybody is repulsed with her because of her act of adultery.The following quote demonstrates Hesters shame towards having to wear the letter As if the letter were not of red cloth, but red-hot iron. I shuddered, and involuntarily let it fall upon the floor. (Hawthorne 60) This quote displays the distasteful emotional scarring Hester feels from a small, but extremely significant physical designation handed down from the Puritans. It seems that she is ashamed of the fact that in that location is going to be an obvious difference between her and the rest of society now. hostel thought Hesters embroidering was too lenient of a punishment.One of the hoar townspeople even says At the very least, they should have put the brand of a hot iron on Hester Prynnes forehead. (Hawthorne 36) At this point in the novel, Hester will not be forgiven nor liked by anyone. Hester suffers in ways that other people do not see, though. The letter A had lead up to Hester most losing her daughter, beading, No, my little Pearl Thou must gather thine own sunshine. I have none to give thee (Hawthorne 71) The governor had ordered his servant to take Pearl away once and for all which was all relevant to Hester having the letter A on her bosom.Although people may think Hesters punishment wasnt severe enough, her guilt ate at her more than the letter put on her chest. Pearl is also walking proof that is a constant reminder to Hester of her sin and wrongdoing. Many puritans, including Hester herself, view Pearl as the Devils child because she was created by sin and is said to be the Devils work. Hesters sin resulted in more consequence than what only lied on her breast. Hester begins to no longer feel humiliated and wears her scarlet letter with pride.She does this to show she is not retentiveness her scarlet letter a secret any longer. It is said that On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and barbarian flourishes of gold-thread, appeared the letter A. It was so artistically done, and with so much fertility and gorgeous luxuriance of fancy, that it had all the effect of a last and fitting decoration to the dress up which she wore and which was of a splendor in accordance with the taste of the age, but greatly beyond what was allowed by the sumptuary regulations of the colony. (Hawthorne 37) This quote is very meaningful to who Hester becomes. It brings out her typesetters case and exemplifies her attitude towards her embroidering. She made an effort to show that the opinion of others would not affect her because of this beautiful letter she created for herself. Her creation symbolizes pride and confidence. Dimmesdale also proves this by telling Hester, felicitous you are, Hester, that wear that scarlet letter openly upon your bosom Mine burns in secret (Hawthorne 131) This provides the information that Hester in fact does almost show slay her scarlet letter.Hester uses her skill and unleashes her pride to show society that she is no longer affected by wearing the letter and more importantly, she does not care for their opinions. Society not only becomes accepting of Hester, but they forgive and begin to admire her. The townspeople declares that Hesters A Meant Able so strong was Hester Prynne, with a womens strength. (Hawthorne 111) Thi s signifies that Hester has changed the meaning of the letter A from the original meaning of Adultery to meaning Able because she is so strong and helpful in her society. Hester becomes well-respected in her town by the admirable acts she commits.She becomes involved in charity work although the poor doesnt show compassion towards her it does not matter because she enjoys helping and doing a good deed from her heart. Not only does Hester partake in charity work, but she also puts her skills towards helping out the needy by knitting clothing for them. Because of these kind acts, it is normally know that Hester Is so kind to the poor, so helpful to the sick, so comfortable to the afflicted (Hawthorne 111) Hester changes the view of herself in societys eyes as a person who is seem as a poor and sinful human being to being salutary and admirable.At the end of Hesters life she is known as a happy, capable, and honorable legend. You know that Hawthorne is presenting the peak of Hesters redemption when the town debates as to whether or not Hesters letter can be removed. Hesters reply to the debate over the removal of her letter is It lies not in the pleasure of the magistrates to take off this badge. Were I worthy to be finish of it, it would fall away of its own nature, or be transformed into something that should speak a different purport. (Hawthorne 116) Through this quote, Hester is saying the letter cant and shall not be removed. Furthermore, that only Gods word and the course of nature can result in the letter vanishing from her bosom, not the townspeoples words. Hester is an honorable woman even after she passes away. She is remembered and served as a legend. It is said that As if the dust of the two sleepers had no right to mingle. Yet, one tombstone served for both. (Hawthorne 180) This quote summarizes all of societies view on Hester.Even though Hester had committed infidelity, they still bury her next to her true lover with a shared gravestone. Even i n the strictest of all environments, Hester was able to make an exception to Puritan rules and values. Redeeming yourself may take long and require hard work, but if you are committed to turning yourself around, you can. In the beginning of the novel, people are ashamed of Hesters immorality and they think that her punishment is not nearly as severe as her sin. Society valued nothing to do with Hester because they saw her as nothing, but a sinner and no longer a Puritan.Throughout the novel, Hester begins to make something of her, beginning with not inhabitation on her sin any longer and lifting her chin up high. She commits great acts of kindness for the poor and for the needy to the point where people begin to admire Hester for her acts such(prenominal) caring deeds. All throughout the novel, Hester proves that redeeming yourself is a process. You cannot just apologize for the wrong you have done and be forgiven you have to take one musical note at a time. Once you reach the to p of the staircase, you have proven you are worthy and capable of being fully redeemed.