During the first scaffold scene, Nathaniel Hawthorne notes her “natural dignity and force of character. ” Her poise under scrutiny is remarkable during this significant scene. Her might is also evident in her dealings with both her husband, Roger Chlorinating, and also her lover, Reverend Arthur Timescale. Hester repeatedly denies Chlorinating the satisfaction of knowing her fellow sinner. And In the forest scene, Timescale acknowledges that she has the strength he lacks and he calls on her help In his time of need.
Also, she shows honesty by openly recognizing her sin, unlike Timescale who hides and is weakened. Hester is beautiful not only on the inside, but also physically attractive on the outside. Hester corporal beauty is first mentioned during the original scaffold scene, when she Is described as a tall young woman with a “figure of perfect elegance on a large scale. ” Her most imposing feature Is her elegant glossy hair, which Is let loose and blows freely In the wind. Seven years after her punishment for her sin though, that tatty is gone.
Her glossy hair is hidden under a cap and her warmth is diminished, buried under the elaborate scarlet letter. When she does eventually remove the emblem, she instantly regains the beauty she possessed earlier. Pearl, unhappy with her mother’s change, demands that she reattach the scarlet “A”. Although the letter does cloud her beauty, It does gain her a respect In the Puritan society through time. Directly after being punished during the flirts scaffold scene, Hester and Pearl and remove from society.
They are forced to live on the outskirts of town, surviving by her skill with a thread and needle. Honesty does prevail; Hester openly acknowledges her sin and done not attempt to hide it. For this, the townspeople begin to admire her and increasingly reacted her into society. Being as strong as she is, Hester does not need the recognition because she is content with herself. In the end, Timescale dies after his public confession and Chlorinating dies consumed by halls own hatred and revenge, but Hester lives on, quietly, and becomes something of a legend in the loony.
Through peace and satisfaction, Hester Journeys from a normal young woman living in Puritan society, to a social outcast residing on the outskirts of the forest; then, as though a reward from God, she rises above all others and into the hearts of many, sharing her compassion and giving strength to all that remember her. Nile her physical beauty and social status alter greatly, both for the good and bad. Hester, as beautiful as she is, cannot be perfect. But her honesty, compassion, and strength are more than enough to relieve her soul.
