Forgiveness In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter

Virtually all wrongdoings are fixable with a proper attitude. Taking place in the mid 17th century, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter exemplifies this idea with the account of Hester Prynne and her perpetration of adultery. Initially, the scarlet letter represents adultery and serves as a vehicle for Hester’s shame. Throughout her experience of animadversion, she stays true to herself and makes an effort to correct her sin. The interpretation of the letter eventually shifts to Able, after the community recognizes her endeavors. Hester acknowledges and addresses her sin which sparks a change in meaning of the scarlet letter that contributes to the themes of honesty and forgiveness. Hester most notably displays honesty when she embraces her sin and makes an attempt at salvation. In the first scaffold scene, the narrator illustrates Hester and her letter while she stands ignominiously, specifically indicating that the scarlet letter removes her from “ordinary relations with humanity” (Hawthorne 81). The citizens of Massachusetts Bay abash Hester for her wrongdoings, leading to an estrangement between the two; however, the stigma that Hester carries will not

The idea of the changing meaning is fulfilled when the narrator writes “[i]t meant Able; so strong was Hester Prynne” (180). The community recognizes that Hester has the ability to aid them, and a noticeable shift towards clemency occurs. Hester feels like the letter weighs down on her conscience, therefore, she decides to remove it. Nature forgives Hester and she immediately experiences great relief, and “with a sudden smile of Heaven, forth burst the sunshine” (220). The sun had always shone on her daughter Pearl, but never Hester. Now that she is true to her feelings and takes off the letter, nature has forgiven