She had borne, that morning, all that nature could endure; and as her temperament was not of the order that escapes from too int
ense suffering by a swoon, her spirit could only shelter itself beneath a stony crust of insensibility, while the faculties of animal life remained entire. Which character trait of Hester Prynne does Hawthorne develop in this excerpt from the chapter? weakness of spirit inner strength carelessness desire for revenge
