The Scarlet Letter #2

     " 'Never!" replied Hester Prynne, looking, not at Mr. Wilson, but into the deep and troubled eyes of the younger clergymen. "It is too deeply branded. Ye cannot take it off. And would that I might endure his agony, as well as mine!' "(47) This quote was said by Hester while she was standing on the platform in front of the entire community as part of her punishment. During this punishment, she was being pressured by the town leaders, who included Reverend Dimmesdale, to confess the name of Pearl's father. Mr. Wilson had urged Reverend Dimmesdale to convince Hester to confess, as she was part of his church, and therefore, his responsibility. In his attempt to do so, he says to Hester that she should say the name, so that the father can stand by her side, as he is equally guilty, so that he does not have to live with a guilty heart for the rest of his life. Mr. Wilson adds that if she were to confess, then they might consider removing the scarlet letter. She refused by saying that the 'A' was far too attached to her to have it be removed. She is committed to enduring her pain, as well as Pearl's fathers'. While she said this, she was looking directly into Reverend Dimmesdale's eyes, which showed signs of deep pain from the guilt he was keeping in. This quote is of significance because it shows how first, although Hester comes off as if she was proud of wearing the scarlet letter. However, by saying that it cannot be removed because it is "too deeply branded", she truly understands the eternal scarring her action has bestowed upon her. Second, her refusal to betray her lover shows Hester's strong-willed character and compassion. She chooses to suffer the consequences by herself, rather than be selfish and have the consequences equally shared by her lover. Hester shows compassion by caring about Reverend Dimmesdale's position in society. If she were to confess, Reverend Dimmesdale, a vital religious role in the community, would cause corruption among the citizens. They would think that it was tolerable to commit sins, since a Reverend had committed one of the "deadliest" ones. This quote is significant because it portrays a lesson, which is that no matter what life hands you, you must remain true to yourself and withstand all troubles without using any form of evil. This is shown when Hester decides to not leave Boston, and later helping the citizens in different ways, rather than being angry at them for the cruel remarks they made everyday to her and Pearl. This is why the later 'A' was later interpreted as 'Able' rather than 'Adulterer.'