Why does Hester return to Boston and resume the scarlet letter?

Question

this is from the book, The Scarlet Letter..

please help?

Answer 1

I really don't recall the details very well from when I read it years ago, but since no one else has answered...here goes:

Perhaps she returns to Boston with the scarlett letter, because, as you get older, you realize that their are episodes and experiences in your life - both good and bad- that leave their mark on you.  Without them you wouldn't be the person that you are. You also realize that other people's opinions don't shape who you are.  You do that with your actions and beliefs.  Perhaps she continued to wear the letter long after the townspeople would have willingly forgotten the incident as a way to show the townspeople who she believes herself to be. Someone brave enough to love even in the most difficult of circumstances.