DJs 16-20

DJ 16
"Hester at Her Needle"

The title of this chapter represents the first change of the letter on her chest. She uses her needle to made beautiful embroideries. This is when the A stands for art. She also uses her needle to make clothing for the homeless and also make extravagant clothes for the men of high power  in the society. The entire chapter is a symbol of her growth and how she adapts to her situation. Much like animals adapt to their surroundings when in nature, Hester had to change the meaning of the A in order for people to change they way people treat her, which she did in nature.

DJ 17
Pg 74. "Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves..."

This is a description of the very luxurious items that Hester would make for the people in the society that were all demanded when there was a ceremony for any man reining high power. This is an example of the theme of hypocrisy. These items that the people of society are having her make are all considered luxurious, thus sinful. Even though Hester was ostracized for her being sinful by the same people who were requesting these items. 

DJ 18
Pg 75. "But it is not recorded that, in a single instance, her skill was called in aid to embroider the white veil which was to cover the pure blushes of a bride."

Although many people hired Hester to make extravagant clothes for some occasions, making the veil for a bride wasn't one of them. The veils of a bride is meant to be a symbol of their purity and virginity. Because of the sin that Hester committed it would be inappropriate for her to make veils for bride, even though she aided in vanity. So it raises the question, what qualifies as sin? Only things that have to do with a woman's sexuality?

DJ 19
Pg 76. "It was not an age of delicacy... like a new anguish, by the rudest touch upon the tenderest spot."

This is a reinforcement of what the young gossip said earlier in the book. She stated that no matter what the public can see, Hester will always feel the pang of her sin. This shows the development of her self forgiveness. At this point in the story, she has not yet fully forgiven herself, but has made her situation better by doing better for society. So she is making due with her situation, but won't be fully happy until she forgives herself.

DJ 20
 Pg 77. "Hester Prynne had always this dreadful agony in feeling a human eye upon the token; the spot never grew callous; it seemed, in the contrary, to grow more sensitive with daily torture."

This is an example of the daily struggle that Hester Prynne had with her public humiliation and guilt. Although she had to deal with it everyday, and some people would get used to the constant scrutiny, Hester never got used to the public struggle. But she, at least, didn't have the pressure of keeping a secret. Dimmesdale was under the pressure of keeping his secret everyday and it took a tole on his health, both mental and physical.