Quote Analyzation

"Ah, but," interposed, more softly, a young wife, holding a child by the hand. "let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will always be in her heart." (Hawthorne, 36) 

A quote is as powerful as when, how, and why it is said. This particular quote was stated whilst Hester Prynne stood in front of many for the people to recognize her as a sinner. A scarlet letter with the letter "A" - appropriately selected, standing for "Adultery" - was decided to be brandished on her bosom for the rest of her existence in the Puritan civilization in Boston. As she stood proudly amongst her fellow townspeople, Hester fell victim to endless gossiping and snickering. This quote came from the last of a group of women sharing their worthless opinions on the matter. Although the others' opinions were worthless, this scornful remark truly set the feel of the novel as a whole. Hawthorne's sense to sneak in such a powerful quote from such a powerless character shows his literary genius. The quote's immense power is that no matter how much she covers her scarlet letter, the presence of the guilt and disappointment will always be upon her. She is now a sinner, and sinners could never cover up their sins. This quote, however, is also ironic in the sense that Hester never really covered up her shameful marking signifying her pride. Will the "pang of it always be in her heart?" Will Hester Prynne succumb to the sorrows and troubles facing her whilst she brandishes that deemed scarlet letter and will this lady's opinion be actualized; or will Hester's pride slowly destroy her enemies?