Hester Prynne is probably the most oversimplified but misunderstood character in literature.*
OK so maybe not the most, but
A) I'm prone to hyperbole, and
B) I'm not familiar with every literary character.
But I digress.
That woman went through complete, utter hell.
Because of her one mistake, she was barred from society.
Because of her one indiscretion, she was forced to wear evidence of her mistake every day, in public, subject to ridicule.
At least that scarlet "A" forced her to make peace with herself and come to grips with her mistake. Also, it would seem that the "A" also caused her to own up to her mistakes and have confidence in her choices, as evidenced in this passage. Plus, she conceived a beautiful child out of that ugly mess. (That would certainly be easier if it were the case with me. Children make all parts of my life better).
Is a public display of your mistake easier than having an unseen "A"? Like a dark hand choking out your confidence and self-worth, it is very difficult to overcome the feeling of shame.
I guess
QUOP: "In a moment, however, wisely judging that one token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another, she took the baby on her arm, and, with a burning blush, and yet a haughty smile, and a glance that would not be abashed, looked around at her townspeople and neighbours. On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread, appeared the letter A." - Nathaniel Hawthore, The Scarlet Letter, Chapter 2
*It's also been a long time since I read The Scarlet Letter, so forgive me if my plot points are a little off.
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