She is perfectly content with her independent life at the house with her brother. Which is exactly why Hester resents Ruth, because she is something new and unfamiliar to her. It is because of this unfamiliarity that Hester is desperately trying to regain power and authority; she wants to take control of her life, and since Ruth is now a component she finds herself attempting to control Ruth as well. This theory is most apparent when Hester states “I always filled the lanterns after supper” (Ringwood 41). Her statement acts as a way to provoke Ruth; to further extinguish any hope Ruth may have that they will get along. Ruth is unwanted and looked down upon, all due to the fact that she does not live her life in a way that pleases Hester. Additionally, it is important to note that just before the end of the play “Hester blows out the lamp” (Ringwood 42). More or less annihilating any chance of Ruth, Bruce and the babies survival. Afterwards, readers are able to observe one of the most significant aspects in relation to symbolism in terms of the relationship between Hester and