"Individuals in private life, meanwhile, had quite forgiven Hester Prynne for her frailty; nay, more, they had begun to look upon the scarlet letter as the token, not of that one sin, for which she had borne so long and dreary a penance, but of her many good deeds since " (147). The truth of Hester's scarlet letter changed; it no longer represented her weakness and evil, instead, she was now seen as a hardworking woman who is kind and humble. ...

• Word Count: 1931
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

The scarlet letter is a symbol which demonstrates that even when sins are committed, they can be confessed and forgiven. ... This letter was very large and was filled with ruby jewels. ... Pearl is the living scarlet letter that was created by sin and to her, the letter worn around Hester's neck, is Pearl's way of saying that what Hester did was wrong. ... In that remarkable forest scene in The Scarlet Letter, the long repressed/suppressed sexuality of Hester is suddenly exposed when she releases her hair. ... The scarlet letter had taken over her appearance."...

• Word Count: 1408
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

It was more important to consider justice served by outward ridicule, mockery, and branding the letter "A" on a person's garment, which stood for Adulterer, than to try to redeem the person through forgiveness, prayer and personal involvement. ... These actions illustrate well in the fact that she unashamedly embroidered the letter "A" on her garment in a 5 very fancy and beautiful pattern. ... He even took a knife and carved the letter "A" into his chest. ...

• Word Count: 2000
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School