The Importance Of The Scaffold In The Scarlet Letter

“... and wherefore is she set up to public shame?” (Hawthorne, p. 54). A symbol in literature means a representation of an object that stands for something that is not material. As seen in many works of literature, a place or setting can often have a symbolic meaning. The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, uses symbolism to show the importance of settings, objects, and characters in the novel. The scaffold in The Scarlet Letter is perhaps one of the most important symbols in the novel because of its complexity. Symbols like the scaffold often have a direct connection to characters’ emotions. This symbol is one of the more dramatic symbols because of how it evolves through the novel with different characters. As the novel progresses, …show more content…
The scaffold is in the marketplace and is a platform where sinners stand for punishment and experience judgment from the townspeople and officials. In the beginning the scaffold is both a symbol of sin and shame. The quote, “...on the threshold of the prison door, she repelled him, by an action marked with natural dignity and force of character, and stepped into the open air, as if by her own free will” (p. 46) shows Hester coming out of prison and having to stand on the scaffold holding her daughter Pearl with the letter “A” pinned to her chest. When Hester and Pearl stand on the scaffold they are being constantly judged and humiliated shown in line "In a moment, however, wisely judging that one token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another, she took the baby on her arm" (p. 49 ). The line “From this intense consciousness of being the object of severe and universal observation, the wearer of the scarlet letter was at length...." (p. 55) shows Hester being looked down upon and criticized for her acts of adultery. During Hester’s and Pearl’s time on the scaffold, they have to handle their emotions alone. As the novel continues the scaffold starts to symbolizes