"Hopefully, but a moment ago, as Hester had spoken of drowning it in the deep sea, there was a sense of inevitable doom upon her, as she thus received back this deadly symbol from the hand of fate. She had flung it into infinite space!" ((Chapter 19/PAGE 184))
In this passage the letter represents Chillingworth and the relationship between him, Hester, and Arthur.
She had removed the scarlet letter, and the flood of sunshine poured in all around her. It has been a burden and has caused emotional stress much like the presence of Chillingworth in the town without anyone knowing but her. Chillingworth is supposed to have "drowned in the deep sea" yet he came back from the dead and came to haunt the two parents. Thus, why the scarlet letter has only been removed for a short while, before coming back and causing shame.
The inevitable doom she feels is the death of Arthur that has been coming closer and closer as Chillingworth been living with him. The letter of shame returning to the bosom of Hester has reiterated the lack of public outcry from Arthur about his sin, leading to his death by privately containing himself coupled with Chillingworth's motives.
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