Hester Prynne In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is set in Puritan Boston, New England. Hester Prynne is accused of adultery and brand with the letter “A” for the rest of her life. With Pearl in tow, Hester moves to a cottage to live her life. As time progresses conflicts arise and ideals fade. The “A” on Hester's chest has many stories changing with each character who tells it. Hester Prynne is the wearer of the “A.” Having the scarlet letter set on her at a young age, Hester absorbs the mark turning the hainted symbol into a representation of her character. Even the people who force Hester to wear the “A” change,”many people refused to interpret the scarlet letter A by its original signification.” The community of Boston has, at first, the view that the “A” has a connection to the devil. Later, after Hester shows courage despite her situation, the community has a changing of heart and
The “A” serves as a daily reminder of wrong doings for Dimmesdale constantly weighing on his soul. Hester having a mark for her sin and himself having none causes Dimmesdale great guilt, so he wears his own mark “a scarlet letter- the very semblance of that worn by Hester Prynne- imprinted in the flesh.” Roger Chillingworth, or whatever his name is, isHester Prynne’s husband and a physician. Chillingworth sees the “A” as constant proof of his wife’s betrayal while hes was away. Seeking revenge becomes his passion in life ending with the death of Dimmesdale. As for Chillingworth “all his strength and energy-all his vital and intellectual force- seemed at once to desert him” after the death of Dimmesdale. The scarlet letter”A” has many appearances from strength of character to betrayal. Hester. Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth all have connections with the scarlet letter “A” that Hester wears. This simple symbol ties them together yet, distinguishes them from each other with the personal signifigance of the scarlet letter