The Scarlett Letter- Entry 1 (Chapters 1-4)

As predicted, adjusting to the style and time period in which the novel was written was proven difficult. However, with the aid of context clues and the natural flow of the storyline, there was a gradually increasing quality of understanding within the progression of the literary piece.

Chapter 1:

This chapter could almost be categorized as a "filler" type, one used to set the scene with description, if not for the evident symbolism demonstrated toward the end of page 46. The scene depicts a large crowd waiting outside of an old prison and cemetery. The setting is a clear prelude to public display of some sort, and, given the tone of the piece as well as location, it is safe for one to assume this impending act could relate to a form of punishment or ridicule. As the wait continues, the narrator goes into great detail with the structure of his or her surroundings. The contrast between the vibrant formations of nature, particularly a rosebush, and the "unsightly" architecture is stressed the most. Nature seems scarce in a dreary environment such as this one, while buildings and other man-made products are common. This leads one to believe the connection could be compared to the contrast between the purity of one's one soul (or, perhaps, the soul of one who has been wrongly accused) and the broken, judgmental, hypocritical souls of the Puritan society. 

The situation at hand has yet to be introduced to the reader, however, there is a brief mentioning of Ann Hutchinson, a female who was exiled from her community for being accused of "Antinomianism", "the belief that Christians are freed from the moral law by the virtue of God’s grace." (www.thefreedictionary.com/antinomianism), (http://www.annehutchinson.com/anne_hutchinson_biography_004.htm). This reference most likely foreshadows a similar occurrence with the upcoming prison sentence.

Chapter 2:

In this chapter, the circumstances have been revealed. A woman, Hester Prynne, has committed a crime (still unknown, but one could easily conclude that it is related to adultery) and is being led to the market to publicly display her shame upon a scaffold, while carrying her newborn child as well as wearing an embroidered scarlet "A" on the breast of her gown. All throughout the journey from the prison to the site of public shame, the "gossips" are harshly judging the woman, saying things such as, "At the very least, they should have put the brand of a hot iron on Hester Prynne's forehead," (Hawthorne 49), and, "This woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die," (Hawthorne 49). Aside from this, the narrator describes Prynne's emotions as the event progresses, her frustration and humiliation being the most dominant of them all.

Chapter 3:

The reason why the chapter is titled "The Recognition" is still unclear. It is evident that Prynne is experiencing some type of recognition with a man in the crowd, though it is still unidentifiable, therefore, analysis will be saved for the summary of the fourth chapter. 

The man she recognizes seems to recognize her as well. The connection between the two characters is uncanny as he is introduced as "the stranger" and remains nameless. His expression is stated to have "darkened with some powerful emotion" (Hawthorne 58), and he is described to be suppressing his anger. Still, he feigns a lack of familiarity and questions others about her current position, although the text gives hint to the possibility that he may already be aware.

John Wilson, the eldest clergyman of Boston, calls Hester Prynne's attention and declares that the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale, the very man who provided the sermons during her church sessions, will deal with her soul. He attempts to persuade her to reveal the man she committed adultery with, but she refuses and is brought back to the prison.

Chapter 4:

Hester Prynne returns to the prison mentally unstable due to the post-affects of the public ridicule and needs to be watched over. The jailer soon introduces a physician to aid her. It is soon revealed that the physician, Roger Chillingsworth, is her husband, but as he helps nurse her and the child back to health, he warns her not to speak of their relationship or acknowledge him. If she does, he will find and have the life of the man she fornicated with. There is still contemplation on whether or not this is the same "stranger" from the crowd.

Personal Question:

Why does it seem like Puritans have a trend of not revealing their sins or others' involvement in their sins to the common people? This is the second occurrence, the first being in "The Minister's Black Veil". It is understood that it's none of their business, but, at this point in time, it's almost as if they're just asking for accusations and punishment.