Why does the discovery both confuse and frighten her?

Why does the discovery both confuse and frighten her?

Why does this discovery both confused and frightened her? She sees her husband she is scared and confused because she just moved adultery and is holding the child in her hand. She is on the stand of the scaffold to be publicly humiliated. How does Hester live after she is released from prison?

What is the significance of the second scaffold scene in Scarlet Letter?

The second scaffold scene again provides a view of all the principal characters, a dramatic vision of the scarlet A, and one of the most memorable tableaus in American literature. In the covering of darkness, Dimmesdale has made his way to the scaffold to perform a silent vigil of his own.

What does Hester Prynne think about while on the scaffold?

What things does Hester think about while on the scaffold? She thinks about suicide, her parents, school days, sports, childish quarrels, maiden years and a new life.

Why does Hester fear Chillingworth?

Why does Hester fear Chillingworth? She is worried he is angry at her for committing adultery and that he will do something to hurt her or the baby. He intends to find out who the father of Hester’s child is and he says he will not reveal the name to the rest of the town.

How do religious beliefs and colonial laws intermingle in The Scarlet Letter?

The primary example of this in The Scarlet Letter is the sin/crime of adultery. Their crimes were probably more of what we would consider to be sins, with the exception of public drunkenness. The intermingling of religious beliefs and Colonial law was thorough and accepted in the Puritan world.

What does the scaffold symbolize in The Scarlet Letter Chapter 1?

The scaffold plays a vital role in The Scarlet Letter. In the novel, it’s both the symbol of sin and shame, as well as the site of ultimate redemption.

What does Hester’s husband do?

“Roger Chillingworth” is actually Hester’s husband in disguise. He is much older than she is and had sent her to America while he settled his affairs in Europe. He is a scholar and uses his knowledge to disguise himself as a doctor, intent on discovering and tormenting Hester’s anonymous lover.

What does Hester Prynne symbolize in The Scarlet Letter?

Hester is a Fallen Woman with a symbol of her guilt. Later, when she becomes a frequent visitor in homes of pain and sorrow, the A is seen to represent “Able” or “Angel.” It has rejuvenated Hester and changed her meaning in the eyes of the community.

What kind of child is Pearl?

The illegitimate daughter of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. Pearl serves as a symbol of her mother’s shame and triumph. At one point the narrator describes Pearl as “the scarlet letter endowed with life.” Like the letter, Pearl is the public consequence of Hester’s very private sin.

Why did the Puritans put Hester on the scaffold?

The Puritan leaders hope to inject enough guilt into Hester to make her repentant for the wrong she has done. They also hope to make her an example in front of the townspeople, that they should not follow in her footsteps. Whom does Hester recognize in the crowd as she stands on the scaffold?

Why did Pearl stand on the scaffold with Dimmesdale?

Describe them and explain why they impressed you. The moment when Dimmesdale, Hester, and Pearl stand on the scaffold together and the letter A appears in the sky is a powerful symbol that clearly shows the darkness of Hester and Dimmesdale’s sin and the product of their sin, Pearl. How does Roger Chillingworth’s appearance change?

How did Dimmesdale identify himself with Hester in the Scarlet Letter?

Late one night, Dimmesdale goes to the scaffold where Hester experienced public reproach. He now stands to personally identify himself with Hester. Hester and Pearl, after visiting the Govorner on his deathbed, approach Dimmesdale, and he invites them to come stand with him.

Why does the letter a appear in the Scarlet Letter?

The moment when Dimmesdale, Hester, and Pearl stand on the scaffold together and the letter A appears in the sky is a powerful symbol that clearly shows the darkness of Hester and Dimmesdale’s sin and the product of their sin, Pearl. How does Roger Chillingworth’s appearance change? How does Hester interpret the change she sees in Chillingworth.