The Scaffold of Sin in The Scarlet Letter Essay - 1144 Words

The Scaffold of Sin in The Scarlet Letter This scaffold constituted a portion of a penal machine . . . . The very ideal of ignominy was embodied and made manifest in this contrivance of wood and iron (Hawthorne 62-63). A scaffolds effect on the novel can be seen through an examination of the first, second, and third scaffold scenes. These sections mark the beginning, middle, and end of the novel. The novel The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is constructed around a scaffold, which provides the story with a constant reminder of sin. The first scaffold scene sets the stage for the novel; it establishes who the main characters are, and where they stand in relation to†¦show more content†¦It irks me, . . . that the partner of her iniquity should not, at least, stand on the scaffold by her side. But he will be known! - he will be known! - he will be known (69)! An example of the scaffold being a constant reminder of sin is when Hester and her daughter, Pearl, stand together on the platform. Pearls presence, as a three month old child, represents the birth of this sin between Hester Prynne and her lover. The final way in which the first scaffold scene sets the stage for the novel is by foreshadowing Reverend Dimmesdale, the town minister, as being Hester Prynnes partner in crime. This is shown when Dimmesdale only asks Hester to announce the name of her lover once, and gives up too easily instead of pushing her further. Dimmesdale does not want her to confess her lovers name because he knows that name would be his own. The second scaffold scene is the turning point in the novel and leads to the unraveling of the plot. In this scene Dimmesdale is identified as Hesters lover, and therefore, a part of her sin. Dimmesdales role in Hesters mistake becomes clear during this scene: While standing on the scaffold, in this vain show of expiation, Mr. Dimmesdale was overcome with a great horror of mind, as if the universe were gazing at a scarlet token on his naked breast, right over his heart (144).Show MoreRelatedSymbolism In The Scarlet Letter1247 Words   |  5 PagesSymbolism in The Scarlet Letter Symbolism is simply defined as the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. Symbolism is a common occurrence in literary works and many books use symbolism to express mystical ideas, emotions, and states of mind. As in most literary works, symbolism also appears in The Scarlet Letter. There is lots of symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter to convey multiple things and to express many ideas. 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