Sentimental Sympathy

"I sing myself a quiet lullaby, Let you go and let the lonely in, to take my heart again"
           - Chrisina Perri, "The Lonely"

We all understand that Hester committed adultery, and is shamed by the Puritan society for doing so. Although her punishment is accurate during the time period in The Scarlet Letter, Hester deserves some sympathy regarding her ignominy.

First of all, she is completely alienated and shunned by the community. This can be especially harsh in Puritan era; people were strict and rigid on their religious ideals and morals. According to Hawthorne, Hester grew "sensitive with daily torture" as she strolled through the town (83). People gave her the wrong kind of attention, which burdened her with a dreadful feeling of loneliness. Personally, I can't imagine living through daily life being incapable of interacting with others. This is one of the few ways humans can receive happiness and joy. Poor Hester was neglected of these feelings.

Hester is also separated from her true passion to Dimmesdale. Carelessly, she grew very fond of him, leading them to commit their sin. After her punishment, she ultimately cannot visit Dimmesdale because it would easily reveal him to be the second culprit. She cannot have any relations with him for seven years! If today's teenagers believe that a three-month relationship is significant, what does that prove of seven years? How would YOU feel if you were forbidden to be with the "love of your life"? Hester must have been drowning in sadness.

According to Harper Lee, author of To Kill A Mockingbird, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” In order to truly understand Hester's distant character, one must discover her heartache and feel it for themselves. Hester deserves pity for her anguish.