The first time we encounter all of the novel’s major characters is in the novel’s first scaffold sequence. The scaffold scenes are by far the most popular technique of demonstrating Hawthorne’s masterpiece’s correct balance and structure. They are important because they show the confrontation between Hester and Dimmesdale, and they show the beginning of Dimmesdale’s downfall. The scaffold scenes are one of the most famous parts of The Scarlet Letter. He starts to feel guilty about his own sin and this leads to his death. The scaffold scenes are also important because they show the beginning of Dimmesdale’s downfall. Hester is angry with Dimmesdale for not standing up to the Puritans and Dimmesdale is angry with Hester for being so defiant. The two characters have a lot of tension between them. The scaffold scenes are important because they show the confrontation between Hester and Dimmesdale. He has been hiding his own sin for years. Dimmesdale is shocked and overwhelmed by this news. In the scene, Hester tells Dimmesdale that she has sinned and that he is also guilty. This scene is often referred to as the “scaffold scenes”. One of the most famous scenes in The Scarlet Letter is when Hester meets Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale on the scaffold. The book follows her life and the lives of those around her. She is forced to wear a scarlet letter “A” on her chest as punishment. The main character, Hester Prynne, has an affair and becomes pregnant. The story is set in Puritan New England in the 17th century. He once again is too much of a coward to confess out in the open.The Scarlet Letter is a novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. At this time Pearl questions the minister if he will do this at noontide and he answers no. As before, they are asked to go up on the scaffold and be with the minister. He then sees Hester and Pearl coming down the street from the governor’s house. He seeks a confession of his sins a second time by calling out into the night. It is very similar to the other and helps us understand the torment of Dimmesdale.Īs before the tortured Reverend Dimmesdale goes first on to the platform. This scene sets the stage for the next two scenes.Ī few years later the event is again repeated. It was said “So powerful seemed the ministers appeal that the people could not believe but that Hester Prynne would speak out the guilty name.” His powerful speech shows Dimmesdale’s need to confess. Reverend Dimmesdale, Pearl’s Father, is already raised up on a platform to the same height as Hester and Pearl and Roger Chillingworth, Hester’s lost husband, arrives, stands below, and questions the proceedings.Īs Hester endures her suffering, Dimmesdale is told to beseech the woman to confess. Here the scarlet letter is revealed to all. By beginning with the first, continuing with the middle, and ending with the last platform scene, we can gain a better understanding of this masterpiece.Īt the beginning of the book, Hester is brought out with Pearl to stand on the scaffold. In The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne chooses the scaffold scenes to show powerful differences and similarities.Įach scaffold scene foreshadows the next and brings a greater understanding of the novel. Recurring events show great significance and elucidate the truth beneath appearances.
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