Able to change

Most everyone knows the saying "actions speak louder than words".  Perhaps Hester knew the quote as well as she battled with society's view of her after acquiring her scarlet letter "a".  The strongly theocratic society shuns her from their lives, yet Hester does not live her life without hope or purpose.  Rather than taking away from the unity and pride of the society, Hester instead contributes to it by donating her time and energy to the poor and needy, which ultimately alters the viewpoint others hold of her.  The "a" shifts from a notation of "adultery" to being "able".  Hester is remarked for her ability to be compassionate and caring, despite the fact that she does not receive any of the sort from those around her.  Those whom she provides for don't even show mercy; they scorn the hand that feeds them.  Hester's strength and resiliency is prevalent in her actions, and she gains some respect from a select people in society for these reasons.

By the end of Jimmy Carter's presidency in 1980, his presidential approval rating was around thirty percent.  During his term as president, he struggled with such issues as the energy crisis, inflation, hostages in Iran, and the war in Afghanistan.  Many Americans were frustrated with him at the time, and he would undoubtedly be looked upon very negatively had he not been as active post-presidency.  Since leaving office, Jimmy Carter has created the Carter Center which promotes diplomacy and peace; works alongside Habitat for Humanity, which constructs homes for the poor, and continues to speak in interviews about many domestic and foreign policy issues.  Carter is like Hester in that he has altered what he is remembered for.  Instead of being called an "inexperienced peanut farmer", some may instead remark his volunteer efforts for the community.  While both Carter and Hester had some unfavorable traits, they are able to rebuke the shame and guilt associated by becoming "able" to give away their resources to those less fortunate.