from Hester Prynne to Goodman Brown

by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864)

the "scarelet letter" was about redemption. hester prynne was cast into public humiliation and social exclusion because of an adultery relationship. instead of succumbing to this extreme adverse situation - with justifiable sel- pity or bitterness towards an exceedingly indifferent and increasingly evil husband and the overly consevative and religious society - she developed as a person, drawing strength from her inner intellectual reflection, her fierce love for her daughter and her natural sympathy for others less fortunate in her eyes. consequently, not only was she able to transform from "an adulteress to an angel" (quoted Dr. Liaokang), she also helped her lover to redeem himself and her daughter to grow up a healthy and happy lady.

in contrary, goodman brown's life was ruined after his encounter with the devil in the forest, although he attempted to resist and was somewhat successful. i was for a while puzzled by his downward spiral to misery. by comparing these two characters, though, i've found the answer (so i believe). brown's faith was built upon others and hester was grown within. brown lost his faith while observing or perceving imperfections or evil doings of others, or one can even say that brown never had faith to being with, while hester was true to herself, both for her personal failings and virtures, and her faith only grew stronger, eventually influencing others positively.

the moral lesson? one does not believe because others do or don't. true faith or personal belief is an inner strength.