The Scarlet Letter- The A

"The letter was a symbol of her calling" (123)

The scarlet letter was originally meant to be a punishment set by society toward Hester Prynne, so all would know of her past crimes. Hester, being a religious person believe the letter to be her own personal curse. As evident by her strength in public, she did not care what others thought of her. The letter significance also changes throughout the story, and its meaning is different to different characters. The towns people at first meant it to be a symbol of her curse. Over time and Hester's charity toward others, many of them changed their minds and thought it to stand for able, a symbol of strength. Lastly, the scarlet letter is present in Dimmsdale as well, invisible, known only to him. To dimmsdale, his marks is worse than Hester's because he has to endure it alone, but refuses to tell anyone else.