Scarlet Letter; Pg. 72-90

"The chain that bound her here was of iron links, and galling to her inmost soul, but could never be broken" (74).

Again, this is reminiscent of The Crucible. In Salem, they had a ritual where sins could not be washed away and here is the same kind of idea. It has been made clear here and many other times that Hester will be forever bound to the sin she committed. It is even compared to the chains that constrained her while in prison. In a figurative sense, she is still tied down but not physically - her soul feels restrained. Fully aware that her sin will never be forgiven, it is unclear as to why Hester gives to the poor. She obviously recieves no recognition for it and the poor people don't even appreciate her kindness. I believe this is potentially her way of receiving absolution from God himself, after all he sees everything.

"Her own dress was of the coarsest materials and the most sombre hue; with only that one ornament - the scarlet letter" (77).
In the beginning of the novel, the townspeople sat there and criticized Hester for her overly decorative letter on her chest. They ignorantly believed that she was simply proud to wear the scarlet letter on her bosom. However, we see here that was not the case at all. Her dress is described as coarse and horrible, the least she can do to make herself a little more presentable is by making the letter beautiful. She deserves that much. It is unfortunate though that the one thing that is actually beautiful and stands out is that letter. Therefore, that is all she is known for and will ever be known for: "over her grave, the infamy that she must carry thither would be her only monument" (73).