“I am not a saint, unless you consider a saint a sinner who keeps trying” (Nelson Mandela). This statement completely embodies the character of Hester Prynne. The will and determination she shows are two factors that should allow anyone to consider her a hero. Hester was able to turn the products of her sin into something positive. Her relationship with God was deeply questioned throughout the novel, but she prevailed. Hester was also consistently selfless throughout The Scarlet Letter. Hester Prynne is a saint simply based on these three statements. Hester was willing to do whatever was necessary to ensure that her punishment would not defeat her. She took on every challenge thrown at her and used them to overcome the obstacles they placed in her life. For example, "'I can teach my little Pearl what I learned from this!'" Hester Prynne replied, placing her finger on the red token. “'Woman, that's your badge of shame!' replied the severe magistrate. “It is because of the stain indicated in this letter that we would transfer your child into other hands.” teaches me – he is teaching me at this moment – ​​lessons of which my child can be the wisest and the best, although they can be of no use to me” (Chapter VIII). Many people were unsure whether Pearl lived in a suitable home with her mother, Hester. Hester could have easily allowed them to erase the constant reminder of his sin, but she ultimately stood up for him. She was no longer going to stand idly by and allow someone else to dictate the outcomes of her life. She fought for her daughter and won. His daughter was not in the middle of paper because she had finally realized how much Chillingworth was tormenting Dimmesdale. Hester was willing to ignore the possible anger Dimmesdale would feel towards her and considered what was best for him. Putting others before yourself is undoubtedly a saintly trait. In conclusion, Hester has proven herself to be a saint throughout this book by using a substantial amount of willpower and determination. She was able to transform the consequences of her sin into positive things. She was able to restore her relationship with God in the midst of constant negativity. Finally, she was able to selflessly help others despite her difficult situation. Hester looked like a saint, talked like a saint, and acted like a saint, so a saint she is and forever will be. Works Cited Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The scarlet letter. Pleasantville, New York: Reader's Digest Association, 1984. Print.