(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

The scarlet letter


            The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is characterized by three major events that occur on the town scaffold. What takes place on this platform will determine the fate, which the three main characters, Hester Prynne, Mr. Arthur Dimmesdale, and their daughter Pearl will follow. The three scenes mark the beginning, middle, and end of their sinful fate. The scaffold is the platform where convicted criminals are punished for their wrongdoings in front of the townspeople. The first scaffold scene at the significant scaffold is Hester's first public appearance, the following scaffold meeting is with Hester, Dimmesdale, and Pearl, and the final scaffold scene is Dimmesdale conquering his sin and presenting himself to the townspeople. The first scaffold scene presents not only Hester to the townspeople but her corrupt child and the scarlet letter.
             The first public appearance made by adulteress Hester and her child Pearl are on the scaffold where they are joined by Reverend Dimmesdale does not stand with Hester on the scaffold, instead he stands on the balcony with those who pass judgment on her. During this time, Hester's husband appears; Roger Chillingworth and Reverend Wilson demands the name of Hester's lover. He gives her the chance to "take the scarlet letter off her breast" if she were to "speak out his name" (64). But, Hester proudly refuses to reveal the name of her fancy man. In refusing to share his name with the townspeople she is banned to wear the scarlet letter and her fate had been set. Hester is now recognized as the lustful adulteress who had dealings with the "black man" or devil. .
             The second scene at the scaffold was the climax for Hester. During this scene both Hester's daughter pearl and Reverend Dimmesdale are together for the first time. ".The three formed an electric chain" as if they were always meant to be together as if something or someone, had not gotten in their way (140).


Essays Related to The scarlet letter


Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question