Hester Prynne

Kelly Anderson
November 2, 2003

Nathaniel Hawthorne presents Hester Prynne as a strong, independent, and maternal character in the poignant and intriguing novel, The Scarlet Letter.

I. Hester Prynne displays surprising inner strength in numerous scenes throughout
this novel.
A. While Hester is incarcerated, she creates an ornate letter A that remains on
the adulteresses's chest as a punishment for her crime.
1. The scarlet letter attracts many intolerant and demeaning gapes from
the scrutinizing Puritan townspeople.
2. Instead of displaying shame, Hester holds her head up high and
accepts the public castigation as well as her own personal torment
without displaying any indication of anguish.
B. Hester embodies strength at the scaffold where she refuses to concede the
identity of the man with whom she committ...