Hester Prynne: Strength and Resilience

Hester Prynne, the protagonist of Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter', is a young woman in Puritan Massachusetts who is publicly shamed for adultery. Despite her punishment, which includes wearing a scarlet A, Hester displays remarkable strength by refusing to name her child's father. Her strength contrasts with Dimmesdale's weakness. Hester shows compassion and defies societal norms, carving out a life as a seamstress and caring for her daughter and the poor. Over time, the community comes to respect her, seeing the A as a symbol of her abilities rather than her sin.

What is the primary reason Hester Prynne is condemned by her community?

• She spoke against the governor.

• She stole from the church.

• She committed adultery.

• She refused to attend church.

During her public punishment, what does Hester refuse to do?

• Remove the scarlet letter.

• Reveal the father of her child.

• Apologize to the townspeople.

• Leave the town.

How does Hester demonstrate her strength later in the book?

• By moving to another town.

• By confronting Chillingworth.

• By writing a letter to the governor.

• By joining the church council.

What role does Hester take on in the community despite being ostracized?

• A school teacher.

• A baker.

• A seamstress.

• A town crier.

How do the townspeople's perception of the scarlet 'A' change over time?

• They demand she remove it.

• They see it as a sign of rebellion.

• They view it as a symbol of her strength.

• They ignore it completely.