One Man's Weakness is Another Man's Strength

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Recommended: Critical analysis over the scarlet letter

Each person has strengths and weaknesses. A weakness is truly exploited when a person who needs help refuses it. The idea of “I do not need anyone’s help” only blindly hurts them since they refuse the assistance of someone who can support them. The character development between Hester and Dimmesdale shows Dimmesdale’s need of aid. As seen through the characters of Hester and Dimmesdale, the strength needed to carry on in life can come from the encouragement and example of others.

Hester’s inner strength is shown through her physical characteristics. She is a tall woman compared to some of the other women of her time (Hawthorne 37). It also states she is very woman like and the people were assuming prison would take her beauty from her. Instead, they were startled to see her beauty shining out, despite her old, worn, prison clothes (Hawthorne 37). Hester also has a talent for sewing, and uses that talent to make the scarlet letter on her chest a beautiful sight. Hawthorne says it is “so fantastically embroidered and illuminated upon her bosom” (Hawthorne 37). She turned what was supposed to be a punishment, into an accessory.

Hester’s description given to the reader by Hawthorne represents her character throughout the book. Her height is the first thing given. Her height represents her position in society given to her in Chapter 13 after 7 years have passed. She may have started out on a lower level than everyone else, but she earned the respect of the people. Despite her circumstance, people did not look down on her. Although Hester did not feel accepted, people still loved her sewing (North Shore Community College). Her beauty after stepping out of the prison represents how everyone will look at her after all of it was over. ...

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...illingworth’s hold on him by confession his sin publicly.

As seen through the characters of Hester and Dimmesdale, the strength needed to carry on in life can come from the encouragement and example of others. Up until the end, Dimmesdale relied on Hester. All of Dimmesdale’s strength during the course of the story was given to him from Hester. If someone offers their help, do not reject it. Friends are there to support and guide each other during tough times. True friends help each other overcome their weaknesses and fully display their strong point. A true friend is always there to share their strength.

Works Cited

Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1850.

North Shore Community College. Literature related to Hester and Pearl in the Scarlet Letter. 1 September 2002. 19 October 2011 .

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