WARNING-GRABBER The Scarlet Letter is written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The story takes place in the mid-16th century but was written in the 18th century. Hawthorne tells the story through his perspective on the Scarlet Letter that he found years before writing the story. When the story begins, Hester is being judged for the sin she committed by holding a baby in her arms. She commits adultery and is punished by wearing the letter “A” on her chest. Throughout the novel, the story behind the letter is revealed and many secrets behind the letter are revealed. Hawthorne believes hope can improve outcomes over time. Hawthorne shows hope through Hester changing for the better, Dimmesdale admitting his sin, and Pearl giving Hester hope. Hawthorne shows hope through Hester changing for the better. After her release from prison, she was forced to stand on the scaffold for three hours. Hester then decides to move away from society and isolates herself with Pearl near the woods. As the years go by, Hester begins to become more involved in society and help out. Hester gives hope to some people in society. As she gives hope, people begin to think her letter means "Capable" instead of "Adultery." Hawthorne writes: “Such helpfulness was found in her, so much power of action and power of sympathy, that many people refused to interpret the scarlet A by its original meaning. They said it meant Capable. . .” (158). Hawthorne believes in hope and little by little, Hester begins to change for the better. Hope is shown through Hester because at the beginning of the novel there seems to be no hope or future for Hester. As the novel progresses, so does the hope Hawthorne has for Hest... middle of paper ......t hope just through this case where Hester says no to the witch because that she had to take care of Pearl. Since Hester said no, it was hoped that Pearl would help Hester make different decisions throughout the novel. Hawthorne revealed hope through Pearl to Hester. In conclusion, Hawthorne has a lot to say about hope and this is seen throughout the novel. Hawthorne shows hope through Hester changing for the better, Dimmesdale admitting his sin, and Pearl giving Hester hope. To hope also means to believe or trust. From beginning to end, the theme of hope constantly recurs, particularly through Hester, Dimmesdale, and Pearl. Hawthorne believes that hope can even improve outcomes if you just give it time to sort everything out. Works Cited Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The scarlet letter. New York: Tom Doherty Associates Inc., 1987. Print.