The Scarlet Letter

Novel | Nathaniel Hawthorne
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The Dramatic Significance of the Scaffold Scenes in “The Scarlet Letter”. 

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Describe the significance of the second scaffold scene in 'The Scarlet Letter'. [2018]

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864) presents the second scaffold scene in his novel “The Scarlet Letter” (1850) as a pivotal turning point in the story. It reveals guilt, repentance, and hidden sin. This scene also shows how punishment begins the moral awakening of the sinner.

Midnight Confession: The second scaffold scene takes place at midnight. Reverend Dimmesdale, filled with guilt, stands on the platform where Hester once stood. He cries out in pain, seeking forgiveness. The scene shows his hidden sin and inner suffering. It is a secret confession before his public one. His guilt burns within him and is symbolized by the dark night around him. The scaffold becomes a stage for his private moral struggle.

Union of the Sinners: This scene brings together Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale. When Hester and

Pearl join hands with him, a symbolic family is formed. A meteor flashes across the sky forming an “A,” which the townspeople interpret as “Angel,” but for Dimmesdale it stands for “Adulterer.” This shared moment shows their secret bond of guilt and love. 

 

Foreshadowing of Final Confession: The second scaffold scene prepares for Dimmesdale’s final public confession. It reveals his deep suffering and his longing for release. The presence of Chillingworth, standing nearby, symbolizes evil watching over his soul. The midnight darkness represents sin and secrecy, while the coming dawn hints at truth and redemption. This scene becomes the turning point of the novel. It shows that Dimmesdale’s path is moving from silent guilt to open confession and peace.

In short, the second scaffold scene is the moral center of “The Scarlet Letter”. It reveals hidden guilt, unites the sinners, and foreshadows Dimmesdale’s ultimate confession and redemption.

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Nathaniel Hawthorne
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from The Scarlet Letter