From the moment Hester Prynne is introduced into the plot of The Scarlet Letter in chapter 2, "The Marketplace", the reader realizes she is very prideful and strong. As an adulteress, she is forced to endure ignominy from her peers and is sentenced to have the letter “A” sewn to her chest. When standing on the scaffold as punishment for her sins, she stands strong and tall, although her mind wanders off at times. Ultimately Hester shows her pride despite her ‘unforgiveable’ sin.

Hester exhibits great courage all through

Even when Hester is going head to head with the most powerful man in the community she does not back down. This quote not only illustrates Hester’s strong will, but also her immense love for her daughter, Pearl. Hester Prynne is not only a strong willed woman, but also a caring and compassionate one as well.

‘Here, she said to herself had been the scene of her guilt, and here should be the scene of her earthly punishment; and so, perchance, the torture of her daily shame would at length purge her soul, and work out another purity than that which she had lost: more saint-like, because the result of martyrdom.‘(Hawthorne, P. 35)

"Nevertheless," said the mother, calmly, though growing more pale, "this badge hath taught me—it daily teaches me—it is teaching me at this moment—lessons whereof my child may be the wiser and better, albeit they can profit nothing to myself."(P. 70, Hawthorne)

Many people believe that Hester is a flawed heroine. Others believe that she is nothing more than a sinner. I believe that she is actually something in between. She is a flesh-and-blood, a woman in tragic circumstances, trapped in a loveless marriage and in love with another man. Whatever she chooses, there is bound to be a sacrifice that is a vital part of herself, either her honor or her deepest need. But these circumstances were brought on

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