Hester has been outcast from her society. This enables her to view her society and culture from a different viewpoint, making her realize just how backward and oppressed her world is. She is able to see that that is not how she wants to live her life, freeing her from her formed societal bonds and enabling her to think for herself.
Hester Prynne is able to think for herself because she demonstrates independence, courage, and critical thinking in the face of societal judgment and expectations. Despite being ostracized for her actions, she chooses to live authentically and make her own decisions, demonstrating strength of character and a willingness to challenge societal norms.
Hester is a very talented seamstress and uses that to support herself and Pearl
Arthur was under the old man's power hence could not think freely.
Her beastly amazing needlework
she does needlework for the townspeople
The townspeople say Hester's A now stands for "Able"
The fact that Hester would constantly remind Pearl of the consequences of sin is what convinced the governor to let Hester keep Pearl. Hester supported herself and Pearl by sewing garments.
No, Hester did not think Chillingworth was dead. She knew he was alive because she was still married to him, despite their estrangement.
The mirror in the governor's mansion shows Hester a distorted reflection of herself.
After the discovery of her crime Hester sees herself as a social pariah. She is also worried that someone will try and harm her baby.
They viewed the a as meaning "Able"
What is surprising about the scarlet letter A that Hester has sewn for herself is that she intricately embellishes it, turning a symbol of shame into a beautifully embroidered piece. This demonstrates her defiance and refusal to be defined solely by society's judgment, as well as her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Hester used her embroidery skills to support herself and Pearl. She would sew anything for anyone who asked, but she was not allowed to make bridal garments.