Hester Prynne

In the novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hester Prynne, who portrays Puritan woman living in Boston, proves to be a dynamic character.

Hester has committed adultery. The town feels like Hester has not only legally, but morally, broken the law. In earlier chapters, Hawthorne mentions that Hester marries Roger Prynne, or Roger Chillingworth, even though she does not love him. Hester has many qualities about her that make her different from the whole Boston community. She proves to have a personality and spirit like no other.

Hawthorne describes Hester, the protagonist, as not only physically beautiful but also spiritually beautiful. "The young woman...perfect elegance on a large scale." (Hawthorne 46) Hawthorne's tone towards Hester allows the reader to imagine what Hester looks like. The imagery Hawthorne uses, depicts Hester as she walks out of the "heavily timbered" door. Because she bears the unbearable mark, Hawthorne ties in the beauty of Hester with the beauty of the "A". "...In fine red cloth surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread..."(Hawthorne 46) This "red letter" which also exhibits great beauty, has lead Hester to a life of exile.

Although Hester becomes alienated, she remains in Boston. This shows the radiance of her spirit. Hester could have gone to any other city, but she chose to remain in Boston. She also becomes a very compassionate woman during her trial of error. "...Comparatively little scopes for its exercise, to supply food for thriving infant and herself. (Hawthorne 72) Her actions have transformed her into a hard-working figure.

Since she lives as an outcast, Hester begins to pour herself into making elegant dresses for her daughter of sin, Pearl. She also uses her talents to make beautiful clothing for the citizens of Boston. When she makes clothing, the people allow her to make everything except a wedding dress. "It is not recorded...her skill was called in aid to embroider the white veil..." (Hawthorne 73) The fact that the community does not allow her to make a wedding dress shows that they continue to live in embarrassment with Hester. The "A" on her breast not only causes shame for Hester, it constantly reminds the city about its shame.

Hester has an archetypical personality. She portrays a strong-willed woman who lives in exclusion for her sins. Hester also has a gift. She lives in sin, but when people look at her mark of sin, she can see the secret crime that lie deep in the hearts of the guilty. "...A human eye -- upon the ignominious brand, that seemed to give a momentary relief, as if half of her agony were shared." (Hawthorne 76)