Compared to Arthur Dimmesdale, whose “…spirit lacked the strength which could have borne…under a burden like thy scarlet letter” (81), a feeble-minded man who could not face public condemnation for his sins. Hester Prynne proves herself not only to be a character of strength, but also a character of compassion and selflessness. She consistently put Arthur Dimmesdale's well-being before herself, even when the community offered to lessen her punishment if she testified about her adulterous companion. Hester Prynne boldly declared that she “shall not speak!” » (64), choosing instead to protect Arthur Dimmesdale's reputation at the expense of his reputation.