... maternal figure as a result of her experiences. For she knows that her behavior could cause her to lose her daughter, Pearl. Hester is also maternal with respect to society: she cares for the poor and brings them food and clothing. By the end of the novel the "a" changed meanings from adultery to able. The shame attached to her scarlet letter is long ... gone. Throughout The Scarlet Letter Hester is portrayed as an intelligent, capable, but not necessarily extraordinary woman. It is the extraordinary circumstances shaping her that make her such an important figure. Dimmesdale - Arthur D...

• Word Count: 968
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate