Paper a Scarlet Letter

Max M

Bellingham Letter

Dear Governor Bellingham,
My name is Maxwell Maude. I am a citizen of Boston and I am writing to you regarding my opinion of Hester Prynne. I am aware of the crime that Hester committed and I do believe that it was immoral. However, there are certain nuances of Hester’s case that I would like to review. While I believe that Hester is guilty of adultery under the law, I don’t think she should be prosecuted due to these extenuating circumstances. As I said before, I believe Hester is guilty as charged; it is obvious that she made the conscious decision to commit adultery. However, there are reasons for which she committed this act that should mitigate her punishment. As you may know, Hester’s husband sent her to the colonies by herself while he remained in Amsterdam. Hester was by herself for an extended period of time; “two years, or less,” in fact, that after a certain point she presumed that her husband was dead. Governor as you know, starting a life in the colonies is not an easy task, and the fact that Hester’s husband forced her to immigrate alone clearly shows how little he values her. So here was Hester was all alone in the new world with the presumption that she had been deserted. Furthermore, she knew her marriage was failing. By deserting her, Hester’s husband technically, but not legally annulled their marriage. As a result, Hester figured it was acceptable to fornicate with another man.

Governor, I must also address the situation of Hester’s little daughter, Pearl. I know that you and your advisors are considering Hester’s custody of Pearl. I also realize that most people believe that Hester should not be Pearl’s guardian. They believe that Pearl will be damned simply because she is being brought up by a mother like Hester. I disagree with them. First of all, I do not believe that Hester deserves all of the hatred she has received from the colony. Second, and more importantly, I don’t think Hester is as evil as people are portraying her. I believe that she is a caring and conscientious mother. Anytime I have seen Hester in public, she has been with Pearl keeping a watchful eye on her. She even dresses pearl in handcrafted elegant clothing. Beyond the exterior, I believe that Hester is also a respectable mother. In fact, I believe that because of her past, Hester will take extra measures to ensure that Pearl learns correct Christian values. Since her conviction, Hester has been forced to deal with constant ridicule; every time she sets foot in public she is greeted with jeers and taunts, “words of exhoration.” Having experienced this abhorrence herself, Hester will imbue Pearl with Christian morals so that she can live a correct and moral life. Governor, I urge you to think no further about whom Pearl should be with. I believe that Pearl will obtain the purest, most nurturing childhood possible under Hester’s care.
Hester has already undergone ample punishment. I believe that she should be punished no further. She served a term in prison, and was forced to stand on the platform in the middle of town and face three hours of public humiliation. She continues to wear an embroidered, scarlet colored ‘A’ on all of her clothing indicating that she has committed this crime. Everyday, this scarlet letter serves as a barrier between her and the rest of the community. The letter: “had such potent and disastrous efficacy that no human sympathy could reach her.” People don’t look at her the way they used to, because of it. She is completely ostracized because of this letter. I believe that Hester should no longer wear this letter. She has dealt with enough shame. While people may shun her even if the letter were removed, I believe this physical barrier must be removed. Now I must ask you, sir, What good will it do for society to continually force Hester to wear the letter on her clothing? Hester is a productive member of society. In fact, you probably own many things that she has sewn herself! Hester sews for our entire community, tending to all of our needs. She works diligently and carefully. She does this all the while caring for a young child. She is a hardworking woman who wants to renew herself and move forward in her life. This crime was not violent; no one was harmed. There are no victims here, and by continually isolating Hester with the letter, it is not as though we are protecting anyone from her. Governor, Hester Prynne is a moral woman. She was simply stuck in a difficult situation and did not mean to offend our community. She works hard, takes care of her daughter, and tries to improve our lives as best she can. Finally, I would like you to consider how our colony can avoid this type of travesty in the future. I believe we should give men and women the right to annul their marriages to spouses living overseas if the government cannot prove these spouses are alive. If this law had been in place during Hester’s ordeal, she and her daughter would not have suffered for so many years. I have deep regard for your opinion and I am sure that whatever decision you make will be the right one. I would like to thank for your time and consideration of my letter.

Sincerely,
Maxwell Maude