Kevin McAdam
AP English 11/ Mr. George
2/21/10
Character Analysis #2

Hester

Hester Prynne is a remorseful character who struggles through adversity to ultimately gain acceptance.

From the start of the novel, the reader witnesses the burden Hester is forced to carry with her as punishment for her sin. Having to wear the scarlet “A” as well as being pregnant, Hester’s actions were widely shown about the town and isolated her from society. Hester eventually allowed herself to move on with her life as “her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion” (76). It was only until Hester was able to accept her sin and understand her punishment that she was shown forgiveness. She was welcomed back into society by acknowledging her sin and by attempting to continue following Christian virtues.

Hester is like a professional athlete who was accused of using steroids. Much like adultery in Boston at the time, using steroids in sports is the ultimate sin one can commit. It ruins their reputation and casts a shadow over everything that person has accomplished. Also, the initial public response is similar in both situations as the subject is rejected and looked down upon by everyone. The amount of shame that Hester and professional athletes feels is enormous, but they can only be forgiven by admitting what they did. Once the first step is taken by either party, often times the public will forgive those who are truly sorry for what they have done.

Hester is a lot like Pete Rose who was accused of betting on baseball, but would never admit it while being scorned by the public; finally his confession was made and is now admired by even more people who think he is one of the greatest to ever play the game.