"But the point which drew all eyes... was the scarlet letter, so fantastically embroidered and illuminated upon her bosom. It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and enclosing her in a sphere by herself."

The quote is found in the beginning of the novel when Hester is first released from prison and punished. The overall importance of this quote may vary. One can look upon it as showing the symbolism of the scarlet letter, while another may see it as an ironic punishment given by the Puritan governor. Yet still some may view it as an advancement of the Puritan theme. Nevertheless, this quote vitally implies that the Puritan community could only concentrate on the scarlet letter upon Hester's bosom, and the sin it represents. They could not be transfigured by it as was Hester.

This significant quote about...