Character Analysis- Hester

Rachael Kerr
AP English11
February 21, 2010
Scarlet Letter
Characterization-Hester
Hester Prynn is a strong-willed, dedicated Christian woman whose defiant nature turns her punishment into praise.
In the beginning, Hester is introduced to us as simply a defiant adulteress with child. But as the story goes on, it is revealed why Hester committed this act. She was in a loveless marriage that she never consented to; “I felt no love, nor feigned any” (Hawthorne 69). Continuing, the nature of her lechery is defined: it was a passionate affair with a man she still loves; Reverend Dimmesdale. After Hester’ daughter Pearl has been born, Hester can be further described as a dedicated mother, intent on bringing her daughter up in the Christian faith, even though Pearl does not admit to being taught any sort of religion. Nearing the end of the book, Hester’s reputation in the village has done a complete turnaround. Through her generous nature to the people of the town, despite their complete contempt for her, Hester has changed the meaning of the Scarlet Letter; “it imparted to the wearer a kind of sacredness…amid all peril”(147). Even after her punishment is over Hester continues to wear her Scarlet Letter, and this shows how greatly she understands the severity of what she did and that she must repent.
Hester Prynn is like edelweiss, a white flower able to grow in rocky soil and partial shade; by overcoming obstacles, and actually preferring the hindrances, Hester is able to become the most beautiful blossom.
A modern day connection would be to Susan B. Anthony. Only by undergoing public scrutiny, such as wearing men’s’ bloomers or a scarlet A, were both women able to gain respect and admiration.