Hester Prynne In Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter'

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, the “A” that Hester wears has significant meanings to all four major characters. In the novel, the “A” that Hester Prynne wears upon her breast represents adultery. The “A” is very important to the story because it represents Hester 's sin. The novel revolves around the “A” so without the “A” there would be no story. Just as the “A” affects Hester it affects Dimmesdale, Pearl, Chillingworth, and the people of the town as well.

To Hester, the main character and the wearer of the scarlet letter, the “A” symbolizes a lot more than the other characters in the novel. The main meaning of the “A” to Hester is that she shall be bound to her sin for life. Hester is judged by all for the letter she wears because of the adulterous sin has she committed. The scarlet letter teaches Hester different things about herself and others around her. “The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other

Chillingworth is Hester’s secret husband. When Chillingworth sees the “A” on Hester’s breast, he is reminded that his wife committed adultery. The “A” proves to Chillingworth he was never truly loved by Hester and is motivated to find out the identity of Pearl’s father. The “A” causes Chillingworth’s physical appearance to change because of his anger and ongoing quest to find identity of the father.

Although, the “A” takes on a significant meaning to the four major characters in the novel, it also affects the community. To the community, the “A” helps them recognize Hester’s sin. The community is also intrigued by the “A” because it provides them with social events to watch and partake in occasionally." 'Never! ' Replied Hester Prynne, looking, not at Mr. Wilson, but into the deep and troubled eyes of the younger clergyman [Dimmesdale]. 'It is too deeply branded. Ye cannot take it off. And would that I might endure his agony, as well as mine!