Digital Scrapbook Sample
Hester Prynne
Hester Prynne's strength of character and charitable spirit in the face of adversity are perhaps her most admirable qualities. Despite her initial characterization as a sinful woman or a temptress/adulteress, she proves her ability to overcome society's judgement and prove her spiritual, moral, and societal worth. Hester does this by humbly accepting her punishment, believing that "the torture of her daily shame would at length purge her soul" (Hawthorne 77). Additionally, Hester devotes her life to providing a meager subsistence for herself and her daughter while clothing the poor who only bites the hand that feeds it. She helps the "good" people of Boston whenever needed by praying at sickbeds and providing counsel and support to those who seek it. Finally, she selflessly takes the entire burden of shame upon herself, never revealing the identity of her partner in sin, an admirable if not ultimately futile attempt at saving the man from living a doomed existence.
In all of these respects, Hester is reminiscent of the Parks and Recreation character Leslie Knope. Leslie, as seen in this video clip, focuses nearly all of her time on the town of Pawnee and on making it a better place to live. Like Hester, Leslie's untiring devotion to her town is often disregarded; in fact, a faction in Pawnee grows to detest Leslie because of her attempts to change the town for the betterment of the citizens. Despite constant opposition, both women are unyielding in their beliefs, doing what they feel is right even when nary a soul recognizes their hard work.
In all of these respects, Hester is reminiscent of the Parks and Recreation character Leslie Knope. Leslie, as seen in this video clip, focuses nearly all of her time on the town of Pawnee and on making it a better place to live. Like Hester, Leslie's untiring devotion to her town is often disregarded; in fact, a faction in Pawnee grows to detest Leslie because of her attempts to change the town for the betterment of the citizens. Despite constant opposition, both women are unyielding in their beliefs, doing what they feel is right even when nary a soul recognizes their hard work.