symbol

The scarlet letter is meant to isolate and shame the wearer of it.It is meant to point out that Hester is an adulterer. It is a physical reminder to all of the shame of sexual sin. Hester, however, does something very peculiar when she leaves the prison. She stands proud and confident. She wears her scarlet letter as almost a badge of pride. Hester bears her "sin" with patience and humility. Hester's reputation has changed over the seven years since she had Pearl. Her devotion to serving the sick and needy has given her access into almost every home, and people now interpret the A as meaning "Able" rather than "Adultery." The narrator goes so far as to state that, "the scarlet letter had the effect of the cross on a nun's bosom."