Outcasts are what make up society. They define society’s characteristics and features. Without outcasts, we would all be a huddled mass of conformists. Originality would only come once. Outcasts are the backbone, creating new thoughts and opinions that branch out into society. Ironically, their definition is that they are rejected society, meaning society is built upon their own judgement.
Hester is first seen as a dirty adulterer. She is obviously outcasted by the scarlet letter upon her chest. The townspeople, as a society, shuns her to the most shameful part of the town. Despite her otherwise righteous deeds, the town only sees her for what is worn upon her chest. Gradually, the town begins to see her in a new light, they begin to see her as an amazing craftswoman who really only has true intentions for the well being of others. Hester represents the beginning against the conformed Puritan values. She has a new sense of righteousness that is also shown through the innocence of her daughter, Pearl. Pearl shows the continuation of Hester’s outcast qualities, newborn and ready to grow. Pearl represents the new generations to come that will follow Hester’s forbidden footsteps; a jubilant new birth upon a world of stark bleakness.
Your ending makes an interesting claim!
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