People tend to generate a copious amount of mistakes throughout their lives. A number of these mistakes catch a glimpse of the light of day and the repercussions must be put up with. The scorn and punishment of man can be harsh and difficult to bear; however, it is human nature to forgive and forget the trespasses of others as time passes. During chapters thirteen and fourteen of The Scarlet Letter, the sins of a character named Hester Prynne are forgiven by the public. The scarlet “A” fastened on her chest, which once stood for adultery, now stands for ability in the public eye. Despite this change in the opinion of the populous, Hester has not yet forgiven herself and she still suffers terribly from her guilt. The forgiveness of oneself must come first since without it, the forgiveness of others can bring greater pain and sorrows. Hester is suffering from a deep guilt that is eating away at her mental faculties. She feels that she must find a path to forgiveness, no matter how taxing it is on her mental state. Countless respectable deeds are accomplished by her: None so ready as she to give of her little …show more content…
All the light and graceful foliage of her character had been withered up by this red-hot brand (169). She is not able to forgive herself, and owing to what society has done to her symbol, which once represented her shame, the joy is removed from her character and it is even altering her physical appearance. Hester is even losing her tenderness, which is “essential to keep her a woman (170).” This important aspect is being “crushed so deeply into her heart that it can never show itself more (170).” without a single possibility of restoration, Hester’s tenderness has been taken