Student Essay on Hester Prynne: Transformed by the Scarlet Letter

Hester Prynne: Transformed by the Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Essay

Hester Prynne is a strong young woman who doesn't care what others say or think about her. She is the basis of the novel. Walking to the scaffold from the prison, she holds her head high and doesn't get affected by the evil glares from the public. Although she had an affair with Reverend Dimmesdale, she needs to learn that if she wants to be mature and continue what she is doing, then she has to accept the consequences. Someone needs to be by her side to carry her through even though she can be independent at times. Though she is strong in public, her weakness is revealed in private through the shedding of her tears.

Hester is not a bitter person, but rather a kind and generous person. She never complains about her difficulty and never tries to make Dimmesdale feel responsible. Neither does she hold any grudge towards Roger Chillingworth, who is partly responsible for her denouncement. The best deeds of her life come about through her fall from grace. Hester would never have discovered the true depths of tenderness within herself if she had not sinned. It is probably the goodness of her character that helps her live through.

Hester is true to her word. Even though she is questioned by Reverend Wilson, the Governor, and Chillingworth to reveal the identity of Pearl's father, she refuses to do so. Also, she obediently keeps the promise of not revealing Chillingworth's identity and requests his permission before she breaks it. In all her actions other than her sin of adultery, she is presented as a woman with excellent values and noble qualities.