Scarlet Letter :: Essays Papers

reddish Letter In the novel The Scarlet Letter, the scarlet letter A has s incessantlyal meanings throughout the novel. For each slip the scarlet letter stands for something contrary. Each of the main characters interprets the letter in different forms. The townspeople observe the letter as a form of discredit and confusion. For Hester the letter takes on several different forms. Arthur Dimmesdale, the Reverend, retards the letter on Hesters breast as a constant torture of his sin and secrete. He goes through terrible ordeals throughout the novel. For Roger Chillingworth (Hesters husband), the letter stands for power. The Townspeople see the scarlet letter A as a form of embarrassment for Hester and a way of keeping order and peace within the colony. The boloney begins with Hester having to go on the scaffold and stand there for three hours with her both shameful sins, the letter A (which stands for Adulteress) and her illegitimate fry. The magistrates feel as tho ugh constant public embarrassment will disclose the secret of the childs father. On the scaffold Hester experiences harsh words. A group of women are having a discussion in the crowd and one-woman states, At the actually least, they should have put the brand of a hot iron on Hester Prynnes forehead. She may cover it with a brooch, or such the like heathenish adornment, and so walk the streets as brave as ever (1332). This statement shows that it was not enough that the townspeople knew she committed a sin, simply they wanted to see the sin on her chest constantly. This letter in some way gave them power over Hester and made them feel more superior. Without them seeing the letter they felt that her sin was not being seen. Even after Hester moves past from the town, into the forest, children go there to get a glimpse of her this continues the embarrassment for Hester. Also, the ministers of the town use Hesters sin in their sermons. Another way in which the town punishe s Hester and tries to have some type of power over her is when they testify to take her child. As the novel progresses and Hester becomes a helpful person in the community, people begin to accept her in society again plainly the scarlet letter is never overseen.