My essential question is "How can shame be good?" Many people believe that shame is a bad thing, and that shame is often seen as a disgrace, dishonor, humiliation, as an embarrassment, a degradation, etc. Contrary to many people's beliefs, shame is not always a bad thing. It can be a benefiting factor in our lives. Shame can be good, and William F. Kraft has helped proven it.

In William F. Kraft's book, "Coming to God A Psychospiritual Approach", he explains how shame can benefit others. He states, "However, "shame on us" can be a redeeming feature, for such shame challenges us to find and affirm our true worth" (102). Kraft informs people that shame is not such a bad thing. It can help provoke people to get them to find themselves, and find their self worth. Through shame, you can find who you are as a person, and overcome that shame with triumph.

From "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, we can learn that Hester Prynne is a true representative of proving that shame can be good. Hester was scorned and shamed for her adulterous act, and having a child from it. She took that shame, and used it to give back to the society that shamed her. She did needlework that allowed her to make clothes for the poor, she brought food to the poor, nursed the sick, and helped others in need. Hester Prynne proves that shame can be used for good.

So, shame can now be seen as a good thing. It can help others find their self worth, and help them overcome the bad of shame. Hester Prynne showed that shame can be used for good by contributing to the community that chastised and tormented her. Shame should no longer be represented by the words "embarrassment or disgrace", it should be represented by the words "uplifting and inspiring".