Roger Chillingworth In The Scarlett Letter

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Pages: 2

Roger Chillingworth sent Hester to America and essentially abandoned her. As a single young woman in a new community unsure about her husband’s whereabouts, she had an affair with Dimmesdale. Due to her pregnancy, the entire puritan society was aware that Hester has committed a sin. As a punishment, the Puritans forced her to wear the Scarlet Letter A to represent the crime she perpetrated. Despite this cruel sin, Hawthorne characterizes her as a strong, independent feminist. She lives on the outskirts of Boston while raising Pearl alone and makes her own living. She demonstrates heroic qualities that sets her apart from others. She is compassionate, rational, and selfless. Her moral conscience prevents her from developing a dark, evil personality. …show more content…
Hester’s concern and devotion to the poor and sick demonstrates her selflessness and compassion. Hester continuously offered clothing and food to the poor. In response to Hester’s contributions, many would deny it. This sin left a permanent mark on her and changed her life for the worst. The Puritans “bitter scorn seemed to be the sole portion that she retained in the universal heart” (Hawthorne 71). The puritan community viewed her with disgust and hatred for 7 years of her life. Her repentance of the reprehensible sins she committed slowly began to change the Puritans views on her. Hester became more respected and the Puritans considered to allow her to take off the letter. Hester strongly believes that “it lies not in the pleasure of the magistrates to take off this badge” (Hawthorne 139). Denying human authority to remove it shows how rational she is and doesn’t let her emotions get to