Hester, a strong independent woman

Essay by amyjorgensen24High School, 10th gradeB, October 2014

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English/A Amy Jorgensen Scarlet Letter Essay 1/31/14

Hester Prynne is a Strong Independent Woman

"There is no good and evil, there is only power and those too weak to seek it" wrote J.K Rowling. Every decision in life has consequences and making the right choice isn't always easy. Those who are weak and take the easy way out will fall victim to evil. Nathaniel Hawthorne uses symbolism throughout the novel, The Scarlet Letter, to highlight the inherent nature of good vs. evil in human beings. Hawthorne uses specific characters in conjunction with each symbol, exploring the idea that there is no such thing as a truly good or evil person and societies perception of what is good or evil is not always right. The scarlet letter, the scaffold, and the weeds and rosebush are symbols that aid in proving Hawthorne's point.

Hester Prynne exemplifies that there is always time better oneself.

In Puritan society Hester is severely looked down upon for her actions; adultery is venial sin. They imprison, publicly humiliate, and ridicule her. As Hester took her walk of shame toward the scaffold, on page 59, the autumnal matrons yell at her:

The magistrates are God-fearing gentlemen, but merciful overmuch,-that is a truth, At the very least, they should have put the brand of a hot iron on Hester Prynne's forehead. Madame Hester would have winced at that, I warrant me. But she,-the look you, she may cover it with a brooch, or such like heathenish adornment, and so walkthe streets as brave as ever!

The matrons comment and judge Hester as she stands in front of the town on the scaffold. The Puritans label Hester as a bad, sinful person; the entire town deprecated her. She made a poor choice, but by no means is she...