Her silent and brazen act of rebellion proves that Hester can keep her pride even through the toughest trials; she confronts the crowd with defiance rather than hide from it. .
Entangled in self-delusion, Hester is at times confused by her own interpretation of the scarlet letter. She is disillusioned by the fact that she thinks her punishment and the burdens of her punishment will evaporate along with the removal of the scarlet letter. In the scene where she reunites with Dimmesdale in the forest, Hester takes off the scarlet letter and throws it among the withered leaves. Having done so, "Hester heaved a long, deep sigh, in which the burden of shame and anguish departed from her spirit. O exquisite belief! She had not known the weight until she felt the freedom!- (158). The ironic element to the situation is that even though Hester can display her letter with a sense of pride, she is also eager to be rid of it. This shows a disdain that she has towards the letter, because no matter how it is perceived, it is still a reminder of her sinful past. .
Viewing all characteristics of Hester, it should be taken into consideration her role as a mother to the imp-like child Pearl. Hester has an intense maternal love for Pearl that is especially particular in their case. " She named the infant "Pearl,"" as being a great price "purchased with all she had "her mother's only treasure!- (41). Losing almost everything in life, Hester sought happiness only in the presence of her child. When told that Pearl might be taken away from her, she declares to Mrs. Gibbins that "Had they taken her from me, I would willingly have gone with thee into the forest, and signed my name in the Black Man's book too, and that with mine own blood!- (67). This statement clearly shows the dependency that Mother has on child; without Pearl, Hester would be utterly alone in the world.
It should be noted, however, that Hester often impresses feelings of guilt onto Pearl, whom she sees as a reminder of her sins, especially since Pearl has been intrigued by the scarlet letter since infancy.
