Scarlet Letter Analytical Essay

Although I am not completely sure about this idea, I plan on writing about the scarlet letter and how it changed throughout the book. I know the scarlet letter begins as a symbol of shame and personifying the sin that Hester committed. And as the book progresses the letter begins to transform from its original purpose.

I can quote the book at the points where the transformations take place. The scarlet letter was first given to Hester by the magistrates, in order to bring shame upon Hester for committing adultery. But as the book goes on and Hester proves herself by helping others and behaving kindly. At on point, Hawthorn talks about the new meaning of the letter A: Able. But although the letter has lost the original meaning to the townsfolk, Hester still feels it constantly on her heart.

When Hester meets Chillingsworth after many years, he brings up the fact that the magistrates are considering letting Hester remove the letter. But Hester persists and claims that the letter would fall off with its own nature if she was worthy of having it removed. Hester feels unworthy of having it removed because the sin that she committed is still burning in her. I am continuing to look at places where the letter changes and relate them to my essay. I hope to compose a successful work with this and I hope it comes together nicely. I would write more but I don't have many other ideas to add at the moment.