Scarlet Letter Double Entry Journal 1-3

"On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold-thread, appeared the letter A. It was so artistically done, and with so much fertility and gorgeous luxuriance of fancy, that it had all the effect of a last and fitting decoration to the apparel which she wore; and which was of a splendor in accordance with the taste of the age, but greatly beyond what was allowed by the sumptuary regulations of the colony."- Chapter 2, pg. 50

  1. THRONG: (PG. 45) a great number of persons crowded together.
      a. A throng of bearded men, in sad-coloured garments and grey steeple-crowned hats
  2. EDIFICE: (PG. 45) a large, usually impressive building.
      b. Some wearing hoods, and others bareheaded, was assembled in front of a wooden edifice, the door of which was heavily timbered with oak, and studded with iron spikes.
  3. UTOPIA: (PG. 45) a place or state of political or social perfection.   Comes from a novel by Sir Thomas Moore
      c. The founders of a new colony, whatever Utopia of human virtue and happiness they might originally project

This quote explains to overall structure of Hester and who she is. The “A” symbolizes adultery the sin that Hester has committed. Hester made her “A” on the dress every fashionable and beautiful. This made the puritans think that this is not a harsh punishment at all and this is doing nothing to Hester and she is taking it like she doesn’t even care. This is true because Hester makes sure to make the puritans think that she isn’t shamed at all about the sin she has committed. This means that Hester is strong and won’t back down to anything. This is saying that no matter what happens Hester will get through it in the story. Even though the puritans will think that Hester is strong but the puritans will avoid anything Hester tries to cover her sin. When I first read this quote I thought the same things as the puritans not enough punishment, strong women,...