Scarlet Letter

Scarlet Letter

In the novel The Scarlet Letter, the scarlet letter “A” has several meanings throughout the novel. For each character the scarlet letter stands for something different. Each of the main characters interprets the letter in different forms. The townspeople observe the letter as a form of shame and embarrassment. For Hester the letter takes on several different forms. Arthur Dimmesdale, the Reverend, sees the letter on Hester’s breast as a constant torture of his sin and secrete. He goes through terrible ordeals throughout the novel. For Roger Chillingworth (Hester’s husband), the letter stands for power.

The Townspeople see the scarlet letter “A” as a form of embarrassment for Hester and a way of keeping order and peace within the colony. The story begins with Hester having to go on the scaffold and stand there for three hours with her two shameful sins, the letter A (which stands for Adulteress) and her illegitimate child. The magistrates feel as though constant public embarrassment will disclose the secret of the child’s father. On the scaffold Hester experiences harsh words. A group of women are having a discussion in the crowd and one-woman states, “At the very least, they should have put the brand of a hot iron on Hester Prynne’s forehead. She may cover it with a brooch, or such like heathenish adornment, and so walk the streets as brave as ever” (1332). This statement shows that it was not enough that the townspeople knew she committed a sin, but they wanted to see the sin on her chest constantly. This letter somehow gave them power over Hester and made them feel more superior. Without them seeing the letter they felt that her sin was not being seen. Even after Hester moves away from the town, into the forest, children go there to get a glimpse of her; this continues the embarrassment for Hester. Also, the ministers of the town use Hester’s sin in their sermons. Another way in which the town punishes Hester and tries to have some type of power over her is when they try to take her child. As the novel progresses and Hester becomes a helpful person in the community, people begin to accept her in society again but the scarlet letter is never overseen.