The Scarlet Letter

Interpret the meaning of the line, “the scarlet letter had not done its office.”

Chapters 13-15

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The letter was designed to shame Hester and perhaps force her to confess the name of her lover. However, she eventually loses the feeling of the adulteress, Pearl does not understand why her mother has it, and Hester begins to look much more as a positive human being to the people of the town. The letter did not have its intended effect.