Read the excerpt relating to Hester Prynne from Chapter 3 of The Scarlet Letter. She had borne, that morning, all that nature could endure; and as her temperament was not of the order that escapes from too intense suffering by a swoon, her spirit could only shelter itself beneath a stony crust of insensibility, while the faculties of animal life remained entire. Which character trait of Hester Prynne does Hawthorne develop in this excerpt from the chapter?
Hester has endured as much suffering as nature can bear, but she does not faint or give in. Instead, she protects herself by becoming emotionally numb while remaining conscious and composed. This shows inner strength, not weakness, carelessness, or a desire for revenge.
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