A Clean Perspective by Morgan

A Clean Perspective by Morgan - May 2017 Scholarship Essay

As a little girl growing up, I was always taught to care for others regardless of how I was treated. My mother was my role model, exhibiting selflessness and constant compassion even when the object of her compassion was undeserving. Because of the example that my mother gave me as a child, I was blinded by the way some of the people in this world view others.
As a sophomore in high school, I was forced to read The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Although I was not particularly interested in a book that seemed ancient in my opinion, I paid attention, knowing I would later be tested over the events of the book. Throughout the novel, Hester Prynne was symbolic of the sin of the world and its uncleanliness. Much like each of us, Hester Prynne had many downfalls; but was also inappropriately marked for her sin. The world saw the ugly side of her while neglecting the fact that she was a kind, caring mother. She treated the father of her child with respect and honor as well, even though he resented her and hid her and his daughter from the world to mask his own sin. Hester carried his shameful sin for him, a burden too heavy for her to bear.
The events in this story gave me insight to the way individuals in the world look upon each other. From the town’s perspective, they only saw the large red “A” imprinted on Hester’s garments. She was undeserving, yet fully blamed for a sin that should have been forgiven and overlooked soon after it was committed. However, people only saw her in one way. She was unable to replace her reputation and start over, a devastating loss of what could have been a beautiful life.
I feel as though in society today, we often judge others based on the way the rest of the world sees them. Once their reputation is set in stone, it is no longer malleable. People are condemned for their mistakes and sins. In my opinion, I believe we should not label people as Hester was labeled, rather, we should forgive others and see them for what they truly are and focus on what they have the potential to become.
This book has influenced my life by providing me with a refreshed perspective on my views of others. Now, when I see someone condemned for their actions or behaviors, I think of Hester. I think of the way she was so undeserving of the consequences she received. Therefore, I will reevaluate for myself who I believe people are, not based on what others say, but rather, who I perceive them to truly be.