How does Hester change from the beginning of the novel, where she is scorned by the townspeople - to when she is reintegrated into Boston?in The...

Over the course of Hawhorne's novel, Hester Prynne changes
from a young woman who is young, bouncy, full of life to one who bears a child out of
wedlock and is shamed by the society in which she lives, to one who becomes more like
those who shunned her, by becoming drab, serious and severe, and then ultimately finding
her own strength of character and authenticity-and, ironically, she ultimately gains the
respect of those who shunned her earlier in her life.  By the end of the novel, Hester
is wearing the "A" of her own free will; the time when she would have been allowed to
take it off has long since passed, and interestingly, in yet another irony, the
townspeople say that the "A" actually refers to Hester being "Able" as they often seek
her counsel when faced with problems and sorrows of their own.  Hester's authentic self
surfaced over the years of her suffering; she grew up, learned more about herself, made
her peace with God, and ultimately led an authentically successful
life.