Analysis of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne - Book Report/Review Example

Socially outcast, Hester raises her child Pearl, all by herself within her limited means, but Pearl grows into a defiant and difficult one-parent child. However, in spite of all her trials and tribulations, Hester refuses to reveal the identity of her co-partner in crime, the Reverend Dimmesdale. Part and parcel of the tribunal that convicted Hester in the first instance, Dimmesdale is secretly relieved by  Hester’s refusal, “Wondrous strength and generosity of a woman’s heart!

She will not speak!” (Chapter 3).  The Reverend’s silence and complicity also allow Roger Chillingworth, Hester’s husband who had been presumed dead, to gain moral ascendancy over her. Chillingworth holds no grudge against Hester, as he feels that he too has wronged Hester by marrying her in spite of his infirmities, but wants to seek justice and revenge. Chillingworth succeeds in his endeavors resulting in the psychological ruin and ultimate demise of the Reverend. The entire plot of the Scarlet letter revolves around Reverend Dimmesdale's non-–confession at the time that Hester Prynne was first tried.

  It is the Reverend’s silence that confers on Chillingworth the power over both Hester and the Reverend himself. Had the Reverend confessed in the first instance, the very foundation on which the narrative is based ceases to exist.  This would have had different ramifications on all the main characters – Hester, Pearl, and Chillingworth. As far as Hester is a concern, she would not have had to lead the life of a recluse.  Had she confessed or had her co-accused come forward, she could have been spared further ignominy,     “  … speak out the name…that thy repentance may avail to take the scarlet letter off thy breast”.

(Chapter 3).  During her years in banishment, Hester cares for other people less fortunate than her, causing a change in perception amongst the strictly conservative populace (Chapter 13). Hester’s standing in the community thus changes over the years with many people believing that “ [that the ‘A’] meant Able; so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman’s strength.” (Chapter 13). This second ‘calling’ – that of an Angel would not have come Hester’s way had she led a normal life, trapped in a loveless marriage.