The Scarlet Letter: the Platform

Most stories share a lot of detail so you can get that perfect image. In that perfect image you can learn the most important parts of the story. Nathaniel Hawthorne creates many images throughout The Scarlet Letter that symbolizes the important parts of the story. Imagery is used in this story to show how the Puritans lived and the contrast of sin and purity.
The imagery that shows how the Puritans were, and where they would go when someone committed a sin is the platform. Dimmesdale goes in the platform and Hester and Pearl joins him. “Come up hither Hester, thou and little Pearl,” said reverend Mr. Dimmesdale (Chapter 12). This example shows you how Dimmesdale wants to admit to his sin and this are his first step, being on the platform with Hester and Pearl. In Puritan times sin was linked with Judeo-Christian traditions. Even though a sin was committed it’s helping the person who committed at the same time of making them suffer, it helps with personal growth. The next example lets you see how even though Dimmesdale was suffering, and didn’t give himself up, Hester was still willing to help Pearl’s father. “In fine, Hester Pryne resolved to meet her former husband, and do what might be in her power for the rescue of the victim on whom he had so evidently ret his gripe.” (Chapter 13) Sin is a big negative in the Puritan community, committing sin comes with lifetime consequences.
Hester on the platform with Dimmesdale contrast the image of purity. In Puritan society it was a BIG difference in being pure and impure. Puritan society is already not a happy fun place to live so being pure can be hard to manage. By Hester standing on the platform with Dimmesdale shows her impurity, “Ye have both been here before, but I was not with you. Come up hither once again, and we will stand all throe together!” (Chapter 12)   By being impure Hester has to suffer all her life with wearing the letter of adultery. Dimmesdale, her lover doesn’t want to come forward and it’s eating...