Hester

So far in the Scarlet Letter I have been very impressed with the character Hester. I can't imagine having the whole town criticizing me, and not showing me any grace. I also know that I wouldn't be able to not hold my tongue and not try to explain myself. I know that I would care way too much about what people think of me to not want to blame anyone else along with me.

After reading about Hester, I hope that I would act with the same class as she did. I'm still unsure as to why she hasn't told the town who Pearl's father is, but I respect it either way. Hawthorne wrote, “She was patient,--a martyr, indeed, --but she forebore to pray for her enemies…”

What would it take to truly love our enemies, and pray for those who persecute us. My life has never has had as much ridicule as Hester’s, but I still have a problem forgiving those who hurt me. I am encouraged and challenged by her character, and I hope to live out what I’ve learned from her.