hope and happiness before unknown, within the magic circle of this hour.” (192) Although she could stay in this moment of joy for as long as she pleased, she still possessed the “genuine regard for virtue”. Hester also possessed Pearl who would not go near Hester without the scarlet letter. The love Hester showed towards the happiness of Pearl, the personified letter, was much stronger than the love for self-happiness. The joy could remain but there would be no inner peace until the sin has been accepted and forgiven. Hester, on account of all the latter, picks the letter up and marks herself with her sin. “She had flung it into infinite space!- and here again was the scarlet misery, glittering on the old spot!” (200) Although the beauty and happiness is lost again, the first step to acceptance and forgiveness, and eventually an equal position in society has been made. Hawthorne displays a vast amount of changes in Hester once she confronts her conflict. Although she still is meek, she retains more inner peace. Enough inner peace as to be able to help others overcome their own sorrows. “…as Hester Prynne had no selfish ends, nor lived in any measure for her own profit and enjoyment, people brought all their sorrows and perplexities and besought her counsel, as one who had herself gone through a mighty trouble.” (245) She becomes a more active and respected individual in society. Most of all Hester gained strength. A life long mark of shame is a great obstacle to overcome and in doing so, much can be learned about the power of the mind and the strength of an honest woman. “The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other women dared not tread. Shame, Despair, Solitude! These had been her teachers- stern and wild ones- and they had made her strong…” (190) ...
