Hawthorne exploits the symbolism of the scaffold to enhance …show more content…
This shows Arthur’s ignorance to admit to his sin publically. “There can be no redemption for [Arthur] unless his confession was as public as Hester’s [ . . . ]” (Kaul 17). Dimmesdale never admits to his adulterous affair because he never wants to destroy the reputation he creates for himself. Arthur never gains the confidence to declare that he lives as the father of Pearl until Election Day; he continually tortures himself instead of the Puritans. Dimmesdale comes into view in the profession, and a woman, Mistress Hobbins, tells Hester that his scarlet letter comes plain to all soon. Arthur stands up to give his final sermon, and the citizens say he gives his best sermon yet. Then, Arthur concludes his sermon and tells the Puritans that he plans to leave. He begins to walk down the steps, but he sees Hester and walks back up to the pedestal. Dimmesdale says to Hester, “‘Come, Hester, Come! Support me up yonder scaffold!’” (Hawthorne 217). Hester personifies a stronger person than Dimmesdale, and he requests for her presence on the scaffold to support his frail body. This exists as the final moment when …show more content…
Hawthorne explains the dramatic irony in the fact that the readers know why Hester embroiders her scarlet letter so beautifully, but the Puritans give her grief for her talent. He also illuminates the dramatic irony that the readers know that Hester endures hatred from her fellow Puritans, but Dimmesdale thinks that Hester displays happiness because she openly admits to her sin. Lastly, Hawthorne conveys the dramatic irony that the Puritans believe never know that Dimmesdale fathers Pearl, but the readers find out early in the reading. Through the use of images in the novel, Hawthorne describes in detail the events Hester and Arthur withstand as a result of their sin. The governor and ministers require Hester to stand on a scaffold as thousands of people mock and scorn Hester. Also, Dimmesdale keeps a scourge hidden in his closet to whip himself because of his guilty conscience. Hawthorne describes that Hester’s scarlet letter eventually acts as a symbol of appreciation and awe. The scaffold illuminates the place of shame that Hester stands when she endures her punishment for her adulterous act. Also, the scaffold acts as the location Arthur approaches when he takes a vigil to clear his thoughts. The scaffold acts as the spot that Dimmesdale admits to his role as Pearl’s father. The scaffold emerges in the novel whenever