Scaffold in Scarlet Letter Symbolism

“The framework of that instrument of discipline, so fashioned as to confine the human head in its tight grasp, and thus hold it up to the public gaze” (9). These words help describe the ominous place known as the scaffold. Throughout the Scarlet Letter, the scaffold is a reoccurring symbol that symbolizes human nature throughout the course of the book. In addition to being a symbol of shame and guilt, the scaffold is a form of public punishment and humiliation. Furthermore, the scaffold reveals the development of the story and character involvement with the sin of adultery.

The scaffold symbolizes many aspects of human nature throughout the course of the book. The scaffold symbolizes the shame and guilt of sin along with love and punishment. For example, when Hester committed adultery with Dimmesdale, the sin was committed out of love. Hester followed her human nature and heart when she committed the sin. After Hester is convicted of adultery, she is portrayed as an outcast of society. When Hester is seen on the scaffold, she hides her scarlet letter because the letter is viewed as a symbol of sin, shame, guilt, and punishment. Hester’s guilt and shame are show

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To Dimmesdale, the scaffold is a safe haven because he feels comfortable with his surroundings.

While serving as a form of public punishment and humiliation, the scaffold in the Scarlet Letter also helps reveal the development of the story and character involvement with the sin of adultery. The second time the scaffold appears in the story Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale stand on the scaffold on the night of the governor’s death. It seems almost as if Hester is using Pearl as a shield to hide the scarlet letter. While standing on the scaffold, Hester feels alone, isolated, and as if the world is out to get her. Every time the story appears to be adding more characters to the sin of adultery, it takes place at the scaffold. The scaffold could be viewed as a dark and evil place, but in the eyes of another the scaffold could be a trusted safe haven.

“The unhappy culprit sustained herself as best a woman might, under the heavy weight of a thousand unrelenting eyes, all fasted upon her, and concentrated on her bosom…. With all eyes on Hester, she feels as if she is the scum of the earth while standing on the scaffold. The scaffold helped magnify the agony and suffering that Hester felt. Dimmesdale feels so comfortable with his surroundings that he reveals his dark secret, his “A,” and dies on the scaffold.

In addition to being a symbol of shame and guilt, the scaffold is a form of public punishment and humiliation. While on the scaffold, Hester also shows her embarrassment of the scarlet letter as she clutches Pearl close to the letter. Furthermore, every time the scaffold is seen another character is being linked with the sin of adultery.

Approximate Word count = 788
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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