The Character Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter :: Nathaniel Hawthorne

Hester Prynne's choice to control the meaning of the scarlet letter transforms her from a shameful and evil person to a compassionate woman. Her refusal to stop wearing the letter proves the letter has a different meaning rather than adultery. Hester Prynne transforms the meaning through her good deeds and deserved redemption. After some time, society begins to construe the scarlet letter as ?Able? rather than adulteress. From this process Hester creates a passionate identity. The scarlet letter claims Hester Prynne?s past but only she can determine whether it will benefit or hurt her future. Hester Prynne sees herself as a strong and independent woman. She realizes that she has committed a sin, and therefore she refuses to remove the A from her chest. She is determined to change her identity and the Puritan community?s views. For example, Hester Prynne does not attend church, nor does she believe in a religion. She sets herself apart from everyone else and chooses to live on the outskirts of town. Hester Prynne does what she feels is right and intends to wear the A as long as she needs to, to prove she controls the meaning of the scarlet letter and not society. The Puritan community?s views of Hester Prynne change throughout the novel. The community notices that Hester Prynne is a very responsible woman and a good mother. She singularly raises Pearl and makes her own living. Moreover, she sells things to provide for her?s and Pearl?s living costs. Hester Prynne performs many good deeds, such as feeding the poor. The responsibility, independence, and good deeds help change society?s views of Hester Prynne and her scarlet letter. The effects of the scarlet letter lie in the hands of Hester Prynne.