The Scarlet Letter: Puritans vs Hester
Uploaded by colwell_s on Apr 01, 2000
The Letter A is a mark of punishment and humiliation. However , Hester Prynne carries the symbol upon her with a very different out look than the puritans intended. Hester and the Puritans both have strong feelings for this Scarlet Letter but both will not come to terms and define a universal meaning for this strong symbol.
The Puritans intend this A to be a disgrace to Hester Prynne. To make the public aware that she is nothing but a sinner and an adulteress. The Puritans want nothing more than to cause humiliation , depression and to destroy anything that Hester can possible stand for. The Puritans use the A to pin point Hester in any crowd with constant name calling . It is an attempt for them to keep there so called " perfect society " in place and away from the sins of the rest of the world.
Hester has a very different view with the A. She does not use it as a dark symbol of lies and adultery but rather a beautifully embroidered piece of art. She does not fall out of existence but thrives in her own special way. She still lives and makes her earnings by sewing and embroidering out of her small house just in the boundaries of the town. She does not lose self respect but gains a meaning in her life. She carries the letter boldly upon her chest making her a stronger and more independent woman.
No matter what outlook you have on the Scarlet Letter to each person it has a different relevance. It is for some signs of hope and independence but for others nothing more than a sign for crime and sin. Whatever way you depict this letter it has a extremely important meaning and tells not only of a woman and sin but a lesson in life of standing for what you believe in no matter what the cost and repercussions.