Multiple meanings of hesters scarlet "A"
...ew who is condemned for her sin. In the beginning of the novel, the “A” represents adulterer for Hester’s sin of adultery. The town is hostile towards her because they believe in their Puritan ways and this sin goes against the ways, so the townspeople believe that it is an insult to the town as a whole, just as one woman says, “this woman has brought shame upon us and she ought to die (49)”. At this point in the novel, Hester is the epitome of evil and everything that could be immoral to the Puritan community. Though the Puritans have turned their back on Hester, she continues to contribute to the town. Progressing to the mid-section of the book, around chapter thirteen, the letter “A” shifts from meaning adulterer to able (pattern 12). At this point in Hester’s life, she has accepted her punishment and is now just concentrating on supporting herself and her daughter Pearl, and contributing to the community by helping the poor and staying dedicated to her sewing job. Hester’s ability to do her job well and her contributions to the community somewhat shift the meaning of the “A” from ability to womanhood, “They said that it meant Able, so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman’s strength (148).” She conducts her responsibilities not only with poise, but also with manners, somewhat redeeming herself of her sin (pattern 16). The poise that Hester keeps is the reason why the “A” shifts meanings yet again. Towards the end of the novel, the “A” changes from ability/womanhood to honor/pride. Despite all the emotional abuse that Hester undergoes from the town, she stays strong and holds onto her pride and honor while looking past it all. People in the town ended up admiring Hester for her ability to uphold her strength and honor despite the abuse. Her strength redeemed her sin rather than breaking it. People within the town began to respect her. The Native Americans even sensed the uniqueness of Hester when they came to the town. “Even the Indians were affected by a sort of cold shadow of the white man’s curiosity, and gliding through the crowd, fastened their snake-like black eyes on Hester’s bosom (224).” She stands out to them and carries herself with such honor and pride, which makes them think she is a person of high dignity, “…perhaps that the wearer of this brilliantly embroidered badge must needs be a personage of high dignity among her people (224).” The way Hester carries herself, unknowingly teaches the Purita...