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 main reason Hester Prynne is condemned by her community?

How does Hester Prynne demonstrate her strength during her public punishment?

How does Hester's relationship with her daughter Pearl reflect her character?

In what ways does Hester show compassion despite being ostracized?

What does the scarlet letter 'A' come to represent for Hester over time?