This is an analysis of the meaning and significance of the first two scaffold scenes in The Scarlet Letter.

In chapter 12, the second of three scaffold scenes occurs. The chapter is very important to the Dimmesdale-Hester storyline because of a significant amount of foreshadowing. The scaffold scenes provide deep insight to Dimmesdale's state of mind. Dimmesdale is anxious, worried, and confused throughout the second half of the book. He is worried that townspeople will find out he is Pearl's father and perhaps lose faith in the church, but at the same time he seems …

…the scaffold scenes provide us with a deep look at Dimmesdale's personal feelings. These scenes allow us to see Dimmesdale's anxiety and how torn he is between wanting to keep his relationship to Pearl a secret while seeming to need it out in the open. These scenes also illustrate the fear Dimmesdale has about Chillingworth's knowledge of his relationship with Hester. The scaffold scenes are probably the most interesting and enlightening chapters of the book.