The truth behind Scarlet Letter

One must not judge one of appearance. In the classic novel Scarlet Letter, the protagonist Hester Prynne, is forced to bear a letter “A” standing for adulterer on her clothing for the rest of her life as she is accused of adultery. She is shamed in public for her accusations and lives a life full of misery. All the townspeople become aware of her sins and creates an opinion of her solely based on the promiscuous act to which she is accused of. Not a single person bothers to look beyond the "A" embroidered on her dress to see the virtuous, charitable women inside.

However, on the other end of the spectrum, Reverend Dimmsdale, Hester’s partner in the crime, manages to maintain his righteous image to the town as he is not accused of being part of the act. He keeps his status as minister of church and acts oblivious to the punishment Hester is facing. However, as time passes, Dimmsdale becomes internally racked by his guilt and shame and resorts to surrender to his sins. He confesses his sins in front of the public before he takes on his own life. Compared to the life full of shame, disgrace and scandal to which Scarlet has to put up with, Dimmsdale is able to lead a life full of dignity and respect thanks to the townspeople. Looks are not the most objective means of judging one as appearance does not have a direct relationship with one’s true internal values.