ave some type of power over her is when they try to take her child. As the novel progresses and Hester becomes a helpful person in the community, people begin to accept her in society again but the scarlet letter is never overseen.The Scarlet letter means something entirely different to Hester. At first the letter means the same for Hester as it does for the townspeople, shame. However, as the novel progresses, the letter changes in significance. The letter on Hesters breast begins to break her down. She loses her femininity due to the letter. The letter is a constant reminder of what she has done. One women states in the beginning of the novel, let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will be always in her heart (1333). This explains that no matter what Hester does the pain that she will endure will always be with her. As the illegitimate child Pearl gets older, Hester becomes worried because the child has a funny way about her. Hester explains how Pearl has a fiend way about her. She believes this is because of how Pearl was conceived, through the Scarlet letter. Although Pearl is her great gift, she is also a reminder of her sin, the adultery. Pearl is also a constant reminder because Hester lives through Pearl. Hester does not wear bright clothing but dresses Pearl in bright ravishing dresses. Also, the children of the town treat Pearl the same way the adults treat Hester. Hester believes that Pearl has a cleansed soul. Hawthorne also shows that Hester is a tortured soul because he explains how the sun does not touch Hester. Pearl makes the comment, the sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom (1404-1405). After Hester meets Dimmesdale in the forest and reveals Chillingworths true identity as her husband, they become close and both Hester and Dimmesdale feel some type of relief. Hester even removes the Scarlet letter, her femininity flows...
