A Complete Review of The Scarlet Letter

          I am now ready to share my thoughts on the whole book. Maybe I was too quick to judge it last week, because my view has drastically changed. Needless to say, I actually enjoyed it very much. The imagery is mind-blowing in the second half. Before, the words accented the attributes of the character's problems, whereas now they paint visions of the open, verdant forest enveloping a crystalline brook and rosy-bright wildlife. This can relate to how in the first twelve chapters everything seems utterly irrevocable, and how hope blooms--admittedly, not for long--for Hester and Dimmesdale's situation.

          Another positive aspect shown is Hester's transformation from a shamed woman to a determined and capable individual. After harboring two mens' secrets for so long, she finally does something about it by confronting them and speaking her mind. This really endeared her to me because I was finally getting the action and twists of a good mystery story, not to mention the joy of seeing a broken person repair herself and go after what she wants after years of hardship.

          The scarlet letter also takes on a whole new meaning by the end of the text. It ingrains itself into Hester's identity, and eventually, becomes insignificant by perspective which depicts the pointlessness of society's judgement and punishment. By the end, the 'A' stands for 'angel' which is what Hester is perceived to be by the townspeople. The book's last line pronounces "On A field, Sable, the letter A, Gules" (Hawthorne 259). The dictionary meaning of sable and gules is black and red, which can show that the scarlet emblem brands her even in death's dark hold. The death of Hester and her shame ends the story, and with it, my thoughts on this book.