From Hester Prynne's first public appearance as a sinner to the illustrated A on her grave, Hester Prynne experiences conflicting emotions on both interpersonal and extrapersonal levels, defining why The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne receives highest regards. The novel combines various literary elements, contributing to the academic value of the novel. The symbolism, imagery, and figurative language used by Hawthorne help convey the tone of the events that occur in the main character's life, exemplifying the novel's eternal educational and historical value. From the first scene on the gallows, Hester's scarlet letter and her intense grief define her character through a shameful tone. Her A completely isolates her and Pearl from the world around them, even in a crowd of familiar faces. Standing on the scaffold, the scarlet letter burns brighter than anything else about Hester and her life, revealing the great effects it will leave on her. Hawthorne describes Hester's letter as having “the effect of an enchantment, which takes her out of the ordinary. Its history deserves recognition, passed down from family to family and from generation to generation. However, his scarlet A no longer carries the same stigma it once did. After years of discrimination and judgment, Hester defines herself by her character, rather than her sin. He accepts his actions and “[his] sin, his ignominy, were the roots he planted in the ground” (Hawthorne 74). Although she no longer receives cold stares or derision in the marketplace, Hester professes loneliness in an entirely new way. She lives an independent lifestyle, one of which satisfies her, rather than acquiring public shame. By self-actualizing Hester's life and her place in this world, she achieves authentic happiness and captivates her sympathy.