Analysis Of Hester Prynne: A Symbol Of Sin

Hester Prynne: A Symbol of Sin

In Robert Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne is a struggling single mother who committed adultery. Hester Prynne’s husband sent her over to the Puritan colony and was supposed to come over very soon. When he was on his way, Hester’s husband was captured by Indians and kept as a slave. Hester had her daughter, Pearl, out of wedlock. The Puritan society openly scorns her for her sin. Hester Prynne, portrayed as a symbol of sin within the puritan society, is an illustration of solidity through her determination, seclusion with the scarlet letter, and hard work ethic. Through all of the mocking and humiliation caused by the colony’s response to Hester’s sin, Hester continues to show strength for Pearl’s sake. “When the young woman--the mother of this child--stood fully revealed before the crowd, it seemed to be her first impulse to clasp the infant closely to her bosom; not so much by an impulse of motherly affection, as

Dimmesdale, the father of Pearl, remains unknown until the end of the book. Hester refuses to share the identity of the father with the church because she is attempting to protect a reputation. Dimmesdale, himself questions her as to who the father is. When she does not answer, Dimmesdale responds with the following words: “Wondorous strength and generosity of a woman’s heart! She will not speak!” (Hawthorne, pg. 48). This demonstrates that Hester perseveres through her hardship by working hard because she risks her own punishment and more consequences for someone else 's reputation. As she provides for Pearl, she works hard enough that the community gradually accepts her sin. Although she still wears the scarlet letter, they begin to see her differently. She is viewed as a symbol of pride for the community. Hester pushes herself when others tell her to stop because she wants to prove that her mistake does not define