Scarlet Letter & Hester

A detailed Summary of Scarlet Letter & Hester

It is adequate to begin a composition of this caliber with the quote, "It (the scarlet letter) had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and enclosing her in a sphere by herself" (56). This confinement, undoubtedly, keeps Hester closer to God than without the scarlet letter attached to her bosom. Throughout The Scarlet Letter, an extremely religious book, the letter 'A', which was impressed on Hester Prynne's bosom, did not completely shun her out of society. Even in a Puritan society, the letter actually brought Hester closer to God himself.

A direct reference to the scarlet letter bringing Hester closer to God would be easily exemplified in Hawthorne's continuous attempt to connect Pearl with the letter. It was most obviously seen when Hester stated, "God gave me the child... See ye not, she is the scarlet letter" (116). Pearl was an "emblem and product of sin" (97) because of Hester, yet 'God' gave Hester the child. Clearly, the letter 'A', a symbol of sin, is constantly reminding Hester that she is directly tied to God. Another strong connection of Pearl to the scarlet letter is when Pearl actually makes a letter of her own to place on her bosom. "Pe

Hester's godly attributes also came into role each time that Hawthorne related the scarlet letter to the traits and qualities in which God held. At one time in the book, Hester was described as extremely strong and willing to help everybody around her. "Her breast with its badge of shame, was but the softer pillow for the head that needed one. She was self-ordained a Sister of Mercy...the letter was the symbol of her calling" (167-168). Without a doubt, as described by the minister, "God knows; and He is merciful" (267). Not only did God give mercy to the people in this Puritan society, but He also forgave them, as Arthur Dimmesdale repeatedly stated. "May God forgive us both" (203). Once again, Hester held an aspect of forgiveness of her own. "The past is gone... With this symbol, I undo it all, and make it as it had never been" (211). Hester, with the scarlet letter attached to her bosom, became the person in society with the strength and power to help others. She played the role of God. In fact, Hester even helped the minister himself, a man who usually turns to God for help, resolve his problems. The minister stated, "Think for me, Hester! Thou art strong. Resolve for me" (204). Not only was Hester strong, wise, and forgiving with the symbol on, but the scarlet letter also kept her safe, just as God would do. At one time, Hawthorne described the scarlet letter as if "it imparted to the wearer a kind of sacredness, which enabled her to walk securely amid all peril. Had she fallen among thieves, it would have kept her safe" (169). With this e

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Approximate Word count = 1058
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels