John Updike described Hester Prynne, the main protagonist, as “a mythic version of every woman’s attempt to integrate her sexuality with societal demands.” In The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne was used as a symbol of women’s struggle and acceptance to meet society’s expectations as a woman and especially as a wife. These expectations being; loyal, the proper mom for her child and following the guidelines of the Bible by not committing any sins, etc. She was labeled as an adulterer but above everything else she became a power identity and a symbol of bravery. Before understanding why Hester was a mythic version for all these reasons, it is important to first understand who Hester is, what she did and why she is such a crucial character in this 1850 romance novel. Hester Prynne is mother of Pearl whom she had through an affair with Arthur Dimmesdale. This was seen as a very serious sin in the Puritan town of Boston because they are known to go through life living by what is said in the Bible. The bible calls for adulterers to die which is why at the beginning of the book Hester is called to her death. 'Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear ' (1 Timothy …show more content…
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.” (13.3) Instead of letting this letter define her mistake she took it upon herself to remain strong and keep her head high, not only for her but for her daughter. By turning her head away from the negativity and making sure she set an example of resilience, Pearl would grow up to understand the large strength it took for her mother to stand