Then, also, the blameless purity of her life, during all these years in which she had been set apart to infamy, was reckoned largely in her favor" (Hawthorne 105). This attitude is soon approved by the public. Hester, by accepting her punishment, regains the community's support. The narration explains, "Her breast, with its badge of shame, was but the softer pillow for the head that needed one. She was self-ordained a Sister of Mercy; or, we may rather say, the world's heavy hand had so ordained her, when neither the world nor she looked forward to this result. The letter was the symbol of her calling. Such helpfulness was found in her,-so much power to do, and power to sympathize,-that many people refused to interpret the scarlet A by its original signification. They said that it meant Able; so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman's strength (Hawthorne 105).
By having a positive view to the community, the community in return, recognized her as a positive image instead of the hateful adulteress that she once was. Hester's punishment, public shaming, naturally forces one to reflect on themselves and encourages one to become a better person. "She had climbed her way, since then, to a higher point" (Hawthorne 109).
Dimmesdale tries to confess his sin to the community during his sermon, however this only leads the community thinking of him as a holier minister. Dimmesdale thought the people would "tear him down out of the pulpit which he defiled" (Hawthorne 95). The reaction of the community was contrasting with his prediction, "'The godly youth!' said they among themselves. 'The saint on earth! Alas, if he discern such sinfulness in his own white soul, what horrid spectacle would he behold in thine or mine!'" (Hawthorne 95). Although the society accepts him as a better individual and as a positive example for the community, Dimmesdale becomes even more distressed after his attempt of confession because of his own guilt of being unable to admit his sin.
