Scarlet Letter, Hester has had to survive with a symbol that associates with guilt, pain, and betrayal, which have severely altered her psychological nature.
The prominent theme of The Scarlet Letter is guilt, the same guilt that Hester had with her constantly. The book begins with Hester coming out of prison …show more content…
Hester is separated from society, living alone with little human connections, “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” (Hawthorne 51).
Through all of Hester’s downfall, she experiences guilt, isolation, and disapproval from everyone she knows. The guilt deteriorates her psychological state of mind, leaving her to live with shame. Alongside the guilt, she lives alone with her daughter, Pearl, separated from the community she once lived with. Despite all of this, Hester remains a good hearted person; she sews clothing for the less fortunate and provides food. Also, Hester becomes an advocate for women as a feminist, eventually forming a following which opposes the sexist forces that have come to ruin women's rights. Hester’s kismet came with a brutal life of agony and psychological problems. Hester’s final image as a person proves that even through unbearable difficulties, one can still remain a good hearted