Along with the Romantic elements, Hawthorne repeatedly uses a variety of synonymous words such as "type", "emblem", "token" or "hieroglyph" to refer to the scarlet letter. "Token" indicates that the sign is real evidence while "hieroglyph" implies art and mystery since the identity of the scarlet letter is revealed towards the end of the novel (Hawthorne 543). The letter "A" itself has many meanings contained within itself so therefore has different effects to Hester. .
The scarlet letter, "the burning reminder between the past and present", had many effects on Hester Prynne consisting of some positive ones and some negative ones. Because Hester Prynne was punished by wearing the scarlet letter on her chest every moment of the day, the symbol reminded her of her guilt and sin she had committed many years past. It was the symbol did not allow her to forget her past; it was a symbol that made it difficult to overcome her guilt; it was a symbol that caused her to be isolated from the society. However, the isolation and guilt were the elements that helped Hester find her true identity. The letter "A" is the symbol that transformed Hester into what people called her "adulterer" to what was looked at with reverence and made her "able" (Hawthorne 164). Hester grew as a person- a woman- by taking upon the responsibility of Pearl as a single parent. By not revealing Dimmesdale's name to the public, Hester proves that she had let go of her selfishness which she had previously shown when she committed the sin of adultery. Since every human needs a form or way of survival, society did allow Hester Prynne to use her beautiful skill of embroidery to make a living. Hester Prynne was allowed to sew for many events such as death, elections, and the birth of a new baby. However, Hester was not allowed to sew for marriages.
