Chapters 13-15

Although I find Hawthorne’s writing unnecessarily wordy, the plot line is original and I especially enjoyed Hester’s development in these chapters. She is described as strong; she helps those in trouble and seems to overcome this once prominent A. In chapter 13 Hawthorne writes, “many people refused to interpret the scarlet A by its original signification. They said that it meant Able; so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman’s strength.” (146). This transformation of the A, once a negative connotation representing sin, is now the contrary. A once scorned woman is no longer. Only a few chapters ago Hester was abhorred by society, her title of adulteress has worn off. Hawthorne also writes of the A’s transformation as he states, “Elsewhere the token of sin, it was the taper of the sick-chamber. It had even thrown its gleam, in the sufferer’s hard extremity, across the verge of time. It had shown him where to set his foot, while the light of earth was fast becoming dim” (146). This shows how the A, that once stood out in a negative way, now acts as a guide, or candle to light in way for those in need of help. I really like this quote because it adds more to its appearance. The A, always described as bright and sticking out, remains these things, however the brightness now guides people like a candle. This ties into how Hester's sin helps those who have sinned and are in the dark and struggling to cope. Although set in the 1800’s Hawthorne’s message that nothing lasts forever is relatable even today as in our own lives and in media, what seem like major events, fame or scandal, eventually lose its power as things die down and new events arise.

My connection from the outside has to do with current events. Although very different people, Hester and Malala Yousafzai are somewhat alike. Malala is a young girl from Pakistan who was shot after speaking up for women’s education. Both committed an act that went against the standards of society (although adultery is much different than promoting education). Hester continues to go against her society by raising Pearl despite the public’s wishes and refusing to share who the father of her child is. Malala, despite her tragic injury, continues to help raise awareness and speak up for many other young girls in Pakistan that lack proper education and opportunities because much like Hester, she acts based on what she believes to be morally correct rather than within the constraints of society. Much like Malala, Hester continued to help those in need and became known as a woman of strength. Both women become leaders in their environments and act boldly.

Question 5: The line, “The scarlet letter had not done its office” means that the letter had not served the purpose it intended to. Earlier in the passage Hawthorne writes, “Thus, Hester Prynne, whose heart had lost its regular and healthy throb, wandered without a clew in the dark labyrinth of mind” (150). Hester’s letter was supposed to cause isolation from society and serve as a punishment, which was supposed to further make her realize her wrong doings and learn to follow Puritan standards strictly. However, her isolation has done the opposite, it was made her question society more and to think freely, without society’s restraints to tie her down.

Question 4: Hester believes three things must be done before women would be treated equally in society. Hawthorne writes, “As a first step, the whole system of society is to be torn down, and built up anew. Then, the very nature of the opposite sex, or its long hereditary habit, which has become like nature, is to be essentially modified, before woman can be allowed to assume what seems a fair and suitable position. Finally, all other difficulties being obviated, woman cannot take advantage of these preliminary reforms, until she herself shall have undergone a still mightier change”(150). Summarizing these points Hester Ultimately believes, the society must be rebuilt, gender roles must be eliminated for generations to come, children must be taught different standards of equality in order for this change to last. Finally, she believes these changes must not be abused for progress may regress.