I have to write an essay on the use of the scaffold in the novel. The first use is in the beginning when Hester is standing on it for public punishment. The third time is at the end, when Dimmesdale pleads for forgiveness and then dies. I am confused on the second time it is used. Any ideas?
its when Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale are standing on it in the middle of the night and Chillingworth sees them. Dimmesdale is there because hes doing the same thing Hester had to do just without the whole town watching =]
The second time is like the turning point of the novel i believe. I think it was acceptance and purging. Don't they feel better after that? Its the same principle when Dimmesdale goes through the forest and comes out feeling better. Its the beginning of them purging for their sins. I think that the second time could be labeled as confession, actually Because they all meet up and its discovered that Dimmesdale is an adulterer as well. So go with that, confession and purging, haha I read it last year; we totally did an essay on it too. (and i totally aced it! whattt) haha Hope this helps!
