The Scarlet Letter-

A detailed Summary of The Scarlet Letter-

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, the letter "A"

changes it's meaning many different times. This change is significant.

It shows growth in the characters, and the community in which they

live. The letter "A" begins as a symbol of sin. It then becomes a

symbol of her ability to do and help things, and finally it becomes a

The letter "A," worn on Hester's bodice, is a symbol of her

adultery against Roger Chillingworth. This letter is meant to be worn

in shame, and to make Hester feel unwanted. "Here, she said to

herself, had been the scene of her guilt, and here should be the

scene of her earthly punishment . . ." (84) Hester is ashamed of her

sin, but she chooses not to show it. She committed this sin in the

heat of passion, and fully admits it because, though she is ashamed,

she also received her greatest treasure, Pearl, out of it. She is a

very strong woman to be able to hold up so well against what she must

face. Many would have fled Boston, and sought a place where no

some sort of psychological problem, or is a very tough woman.

of strength and integrity. Any woman with enough nerve to hold up

The three changes in the scarlet letter were significant, and

who needed her the most proved that she was not worthy of the fate

of her calling. Such helpfulness was found in her- so much power to do

possessed. "Do you see that woman with the embroidered badge? It is

her penitence." (244) Hester was in no way legally or religiously

helpful to the sick, so comforting to the afflicted!" (157) The

without it and begin a new life in England, but it was easier for her

unselfish assistance to the poor and sick. "The letter was the symbol

respect for herself, and for her life. It just changed to a way of

townspeople soon began to believe that the badge served to ward off

The second meaning that the letter "A" took was "able." The

The final face of the letter "A" was a symbol of Hester's

Approximate Word count = 727
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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