While Hester Prynne (the protagonist from Hawthorne's
            The Scarlet Letter)is able to sew "for the ceremonials of pomp and
            state" she was not allowed to "embroider the white
            veil."
Hester has been charged and sentenced with
            committing adultery proven by her illegitimate child, Pearl. Hester begins to sew so as
            to make a living for herself and her daughter.
Many people
            come to Hester for her renowned embroidery skills. She had provided her services to the
            Governor, military men, ministers, babies, and used on the coffins of those who had
            died.
Hester was not able to work on garments used for
            weddings because society "frowned upon her sin" and did not want her to touch the "white
            veil which was to cover the pure blushes of a bride." Basically, Hester's hands were
            looked at as sinful and people did not want her to tarnish the purity of the bride's
            attire.
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