Within several years after she first appeared at the scaffold, her attitude completely changed. Hester no longer cared about what the townspeople thought she just felt empty and didn't seem to have a care in the world. she started to care for the elderly, which caused the town to think otherwise of Hester Prynne. The meaning of the 'A' is still there it was simply just pushed aside by the townspeople which allowed them to see Hester in another light. "do you see that woman with the embroidered badge? That is our Hester - the towns Hester." (179) . The town never really seemed to embrace Hester because of her actions and finally after seven years she is getting the attention and the open arms from people who once treated her as if she was worthless. "The scarlet letter had the effect of a cross on a nun's bosom." (179). She was viewed in the same light of a holy woman and a cross is a symbol of protection and holiness and it is a symbol f being sin free and a symbol of love and justice. .
Though the scarlet letter had changed its meaning, it could not change her heart. Hester Prynne felt very lonely and let the loneliness consume herself. Her beauty had gone and the townspeople didn't really care, but Hester did. She felt that she became less than a woman she sought out for "Love" and "Affection" with a man who had been falling apart himself. Dimsdale himself had been wearing an 'A' the entire time as well. Dimsdale had to keep his emotions held in, which caused his thoughts to consume him. When Hester searches for Dimsdale in the woods with Pearl, Pearl mentions that Pastor Dimsdale always puts his hand over his heart for the same purpose of the letter 'A'.
When Hester finds Dimsdale in the woods he was walking slowly, slouching and he looked vulnerable. Men are usually seen to be more manly and they tend to not show their emotions in public, but when Hester calls him to get his attention, "Gathering himself quickly up.
