The scaffold in the town center symbolizes the harsh judgments in Puritan society. ... On the other hand, a penalty which, in our days, would infer a degree of mocking infamy and ridicule, might then be invested with almost as stern a dignity as the punishment of death itself" (Hawthorne ). ... This quote emphasizes a harsh and unforgiving punishment of the scaffold and Puritan punishment in society. The forest represents a refuge away from Puritan cruelty and judgment as it was away from the town. ... "Nor illuminated by higher truths" also indicates that the forest was not under the c...

• Word Count: 1003
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

In this quote the author is telling how Dimmesdale after seven years has become able to declare his love for Hester. ... As our narrator tells us "Pearl's errand as a messenger of anguish was all fulfilled"(pg175). ... Once he admits to the towns folk that he is a sinner, his soul leaves his body, and a spell is broken. " Pearl kissed his lips, a spell was broken" (pg 175). ...

• Word Count: 1115
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School