TSL Argumentative Essay
Alexis Falci
Heroes. They are all around us. In real life, in comic books, in movies, and in books.
Heroines in American literature, like Jane Eyre, Hermione Granger, and Katniss Everdeen may be some of the first that come to mind. The first American heroine, Hester Prynne, the protagonist from
The Scarlet Letter, is the first and one of the best. In the novel, she overcame a great sin changing the meaning of a scarlet “A” permanently sewed to her bosom from “adulterator” to “angel”. This atonement is what truly makes Hester Prynne the first American heroine. Heroes are those who overcome obstacles with great courage, and transform themselves to serve others without expectations of material gain, all of which
Hester exemplified.
In
The Scarlet Letter,
Hester accepts the consequences of her actions. She lives on the outskirts of town, only making herself noticeable when absolutely necessary. She also stood on the scaffold, never trying to run from her sin. Owning up to her sin is one of the ways in which Hester is heroic. As mentioned on page 48, “[Hester] sustained herself as best a woman might, under the eyes of a thousand unrelenting eyes…”. This scene took place as she was on the scaffold, when the public first discovered she had sinned. It took a great deal of guts to stand up in front of everyone while being publicly shamed, and having composure while doing so. Not just anyone could do that. It takes a special kind of person, one with outstanding poise. For the rest of her life, Hester maintains this mindset, never letting the sin control her life. By this, she essentially overcomes her sin.
Another quality of heroes, is that they can transform themselves from “evil” to “good”.
In
The Scarlet Letter,
Hester changes the meaning of her scarlet letter from adulterous to angelic. She ultimately triumphs over her sin. Hester continually served others, without expecting to gain the sympathy of the community.
Throughout the
Heroes. They are all around us. In real life, in comic books, in movies, and in books.
Heroines in American literature, like Jane Eyre, Hermione Granger, and Katniss Everdeen may be some of the first that come to mind. The first American heroine, Hester Prynne, the protagonist from
The Scarlet Letter, is the first and one of the best. In the novel, she overcame a great sin changing the meaning of a scarlet “A” permanently sewed to her bosom from “adulterator” to “angel”. This atonement is what truly makes Hester Prynne the first American heroine. Heroes are those who overcome obstacles with great courage, and transform themselves to serve others without expectations of material gain, all of which
Hester exemplified.
In
The Scarlet Letter,
Hester accepts the consequences of her actions. She lives on the outskirts of town, only making herself noticeable when absolutely necessary. She also stood on the scaffold, never trying to run from her sin. Owning up to her sin is one of the ways in which Hester is heroic. As mentioned on page 48, “[Hester] sustained herself as best a woman might, under the eyes of a thousand unrelenting eyes…”. This scene took place as she was on the scaffold, when the public first discovered she had sinned. It took a great deal of guts to stand up in front of everyone while being publicly shamed, and having composure while doing so. Not just anyone could do that. It takes a special kind of person, one with outstanding poise. For the rest of her life, Hester maintains this mindset, never letting the sin control her life. By this, she essentially overcomes her sin.
Another quality of heroes, is that they can transform themselves from “evil” to “good”.
In
The Scarlet Letter,
Hester changes the meaning of her scarlet letter from adulterous to angelic. She ultimately triumphs over her sin. Hester continually served others, without expecting to gain the sympathy of the community.
Throughout the