THE SCARLET LETTER 2

Set in seventeenth-century Boston, Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is abotu consquences of hidden and open sin. Hester Prynne commits adultery against her husband with Arthur Dimmesdale, a young clergyman. As part of her punishment, Hester is required to wear a red "A" everyday. Hawthorne uses symbolism throughout the novel to depict the Puritan views, the views of the adulterers, and the contrasting views of the people in the community. He exhibits these viewa through …

…and Pear gives a sort of revival to the minister, but since this act happens in seclusion, theeffect is only temporary (Hart 101). While he is speaking, a bright red "A" illuminates the night sky. According to MArtin, Dimmesdale;s guilt finds the meteor to symbolize his adultery, while other perceive it to mean "angel," a sign to God's chosen people (117). The scene concludes with Dimmesdale leaving with Chillingworth, the man he hates and fears (Martin 118).