Practice AP Essay

                                                                                                Briana Stinn Period 3

"By their deeds shall ye know them." We often judge people by what they do; therefore, we consider people who commit cruel or reprehensible acts corrupt, base or amoral. In literature, however, authors often introduce us to characters whom we learn to like or even respect, despite their deeds. 

Write an essay about one such character for whom you developed admiration or compassion. Briefly explain why you felt his or her behavior to be condemnable or contemptible, and how the author's techniques influenced you to admire that person. Do not summarize the plot. (40 minutes)

Over the course of the novel, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, I developed great admiration for the character, Hester Prynne. Hester faced tragedy and hardships in her life, but stayed strong and became a devoted mother. Hester stood out in a time period when women were ignored and often miss treated. Through setting and characterization, Nathaniel Hawthorne created a character that I will always admire and respect.

The setting of the novel is crucial to the true understanding of Hester’s importance. Hester lived in Boston, Massachusetts in the 17^th century. During the time period there was lots of sexism and women were treated unfairly. Religion also played a huge role in the setting. Religion was a big part of government and law making. Hester committed what was thought to be a crime for the time period. Not only was it considered a crime because of religious influence, but Hester was also frowned down upon because she was a woman committing the crime.  Despite social alienation, Hester remained strong, lived her life, and raised her daughter will love and protection.

Hester’s character and personality are very noble and honorable. She stayed strong through all of the agony and humiliation cause by the public surrounding her. Hester remained prideful and accepted her scarlet “A” as a challenge. She proved that a simple patch on her chest would not affect her or her child. Hester stayed determined a created the best possible life she could for herself and her daughter.

Hester is definitely and character to be admired. She holds very honorable qualities. Through setting and characterization, Nathaniel Hawthorne developed a character that I really admire and respect.