How Does The Scarlet Letter Change

Change is an inevitable part of life; basically everything on Earth periodically develops into something new. Though not every change is drastic, it can still be noticed over time. Sometimes change is progressive, but other times it can be regressive. In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the translation of the “A” develops from” adulterer,” to “able,” and finally to “amends.”
When we first meet Hester, her “A” means adulterer. The townspeople are very horrified with her actions and desire a harsher punishment bestowed upon her. One even goes as far as to insist, “This woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die” (49). The townspeople are not content with the punishment she has received and believe that the magistrates …show more content…
She gives them no further reason to despise her by staying out of their way, by not causing anymore scandals, and by limiting her interactions with them. Thus they become accustomed to her and to the “A”. They begin to realize that she is a good and humble person who helps others. Their change of attitude is illustrated by: “The letter was the symbol of her calling. Such helpfulness was found in her – so much power to do and power to sympathize – that many people refused to interpret the scarlet “A” by its original signification. They said it meant ‘Able‘; so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman’s strength” (158). Their view of her as a burden has been replaced by the sense that she is helpful, sympathetic, kind, and powerful. They see her strength and power through the “A” and what she has somewhat overcome. The “A” not only shows mental strength, but also a physical strength that keeps her safe. “Had she fallen among thieves, [the letter] would have kept her safe. It was reported, and believed by many, that an Indian had drawn his arrow against the badge, and that the missile struck it, but it fell harmless to the ground” (159). The story means that the “A” has become impenetrable and will protect Hester, whether it be from physical danger or the danger of sin. The “A” …show more content…
By the end of the book her “A” is no longer negative; it is actually a symbol that astonishes people. Hawthorne writes: “[T]he scarlet letter ceased to be a stigma which attracted the world’s scorn and bitterness, and became a type of something to be sorrowed over, and looked upon with awe, yet with reverence too” (257). The “A” has become a good example for others and indicates that Hester can stop feeling guilty for her actions. Hester is able to accept her “A.” After she leaves the town she realizes that the “A” has become a part of her and returns to wear it again. The “A” will always be who Hester is. She feels she must adorn the “A” to atone her sins. “Here had been her sin; here, her sorrow; and here has yet to be her penitence. She had returned, therefore, and resumed – of her own free will, for not the sternest magistrate of that iron period would have imposed it – resumed the symbol of which we have related so dark a tale”(257). Hester regards the “A” as a lifelong adornment for her, and so she continues on her journey of penance when she puts it back