FREE ESSAY ON HESTER'S STORY

HESTER'S STORY

Hester's Story
Regarding The Scarlet Letter, the subject of of the main character has been widely
debated by all. Some say that it is Hester's story, while others insist that it is
Dimmesdale's story. Personally, it's quite obvious to me that the novel is centered
around Hester, for she's the character that develops and grows the most. Throughout the
story, Hester matured, became more independent and earned the respect of the
townspeople.
When Hester was first released from prison, she was openly defiant towards the
townspeople. To rebel against her punishment, she elaborately embroidered the scarlet A
into a beautiful work of art. Her pride demanded that she held her head high and not
conform to the Puritan ways. "Those who had before know her...in which she was
enveloped." (56). As the story progressed, Hester put aside her pride and placed her
priority in Pearl, her daughter. She learned to be more self-reliant and when forced to
take up embroidery to support her child. In addition, she worked hard to remain chaste
and help the unfortunate to build a role for Pearl as the daughter of a respected woman,
instead of as an illegitimate bastard of a condemned criminal. 
Hester's dilligence and kindness won over the respect and admiration of the townspeople,
who had earlier ostracized her. She provided help and comfort for all that needed them.
Soon, even the interpretation of her punishment changed. People began to say that the
scarlet A meant Able, for it reprented Hester's helpfulness. "'Do you see that woman with
the embroidered badge?' they would say to strangers. 'It is our Hester-the town's own
Hester, who is so kind to the poor, so helpful to the sick, so comfortable to the
afflicted.'" 
From the very beginning, Hester took responsibility for her actions. She never revealed
the name of her ex-lover, Dimmesdale, because she believed that it was her duty to face
the consequences. In order to secure a promising future for her daughter, Hester tossed
aside her pride to transform into a model citizen. By making the best out of her
circumstances, she earned the admiration of her peers, who were impressed by her courage
and determination. After leaving New England to arrange a marriage for Pearl, Hester
returned by her own free will to live out the terms of her punishment. "But, in the lapse
of the toilsome, thoughtful, and self-devoted years that made up Hester's life, the
scarlet letter ceased to be a stigma which attracted the world's scorn and bitterness,
and became a type of something to be sorrowed over, and looked upon with awe, yet with
reverance too." (273). Through it all, she matured and grew not only as a woman, but also
as a survivor.