The title of Chapter 13 is "Another view of Hester". This chapter is a discussion of Hester's personality, intellect and character as well as an update of several years she had been passing through. “Another view” in the title refers to both the changing perception of the Puritan society toward Hester and also the description of her which narrator told.
Hester's position in the eyes of the Puritan community has considerably changed due to her kindness and charity. She has borne her shame and sorrow with great dignity. The town describes her now as one "who is so kind to the poor, helpful to the sick, so comfortable to the afflicted!" Hester has become very active in society. She brings food to the poor; she takes care of the sick. Now the scarlet letter has magical qualities, and myths are growing around its power, more people are beginning to interpret the “A” on her chest as meaning “Able” rather than “Adulterer.”. But this new definition of Hester Prynne is not without a price. Her luxuriant beauty, and the warmth, charm, and …show more content…
Rather, it has led her to unholy speculations, thoughts of suicide and ruminations about the unfair of women. In fact, Hester’s feminist thinking has led her to realize that she needn’t to accept or pay attention to the town’s opinion of her at all—Some believe that her punishment is sufficient and that she should no longer wear the scarlet letter. But she refused to flee Boston when Pearl was an infant because at the time she did not believe that her fellow men and women should have the power to judge her. Now, Hester refuses to remove the scarlet letter—she understands that its removal would be as meaningless as its original placement. It’s her redemption, identity and, she believes, her soul’s salvation are matters that are between her and