In "The Scarlet Letter," what is Hester Prynne forced to wear as a symbol of her sin?

In "The Scarlet Letter," Hester Prynne is compelled to wear a scarlet letter "A" on her chest as a public acknowledgment of her sin of adultery. This letter serves multiple functions within the narrative: it is a symbol of shame, but it also evolves into a more complex emblem of Hester's identity and strength. Initially, the letter is a mark of her disgrace in a rigidly Puritan society, intended to isolate and humiliate her. However, as the story progresses, it becomes a symbol of her resilience and ability to redefine her own identity against the societal judgment that attempts to define her. The scarlet letter ultimately encapsulates themes of sin, punishment, and transformation throughout the novel.

The other options presented do not align with the specific symbol assigned to Hester. A gold necklace, for example, would not carry the heavy connotations of sin that the letter does. A white dress generally symbolizes purity and innocence, which directly contrasts with Hester's situation. A black veil also carries its own implications, often associated with mourning or secrecy, but it does not represent Hester's sin in the way that the scarlet letter does. Thus, the scarlet letter "A" is the definitive symbol in