Podcast
Questions and Answers
On what note does chapter 2 begin?
On what note does chapter 2 begin?
People are all standing around the prison waiting for someone to emerge.
What is Hawthorne saying about the Puritan women of the New World?
What is Hawthorne saying about the Puritan women of the New World?
Through the conversation of the women, Hawthorne shows that the townspeople have made Hester a scapegoat, and the women condemn her to emphasize their own piety.
For what sin is Hester Prynne condemned?
For what sin is Hester Prynne condemned?
Hester Prynne is condemned for adultery, which means that she had a child out of wedlock.
What is the Old Testament punishment for adultery?
What is the Old Testament punishment for adultery?
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What is the public view of Hester's sin as expressed by the women outside the prison?
What is the public view of Hester's sin as expressed by the women outside the prison?
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What is Hester's punishment?
What is Hester's punishment?
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What is surprising about the 'A' Hester has sewn for herself?
What is surprising about the 'A' Hester has sewn for herself?
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What is accomplished by Hawthorne's allusion to the Madonna and Child?
What is accomplished by Hawthorne's allusion to the Madonna and Child?
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What might Hawthorne be suggesting by portraying Hester as extremely beautiful?
What might Hawthorne be suggesting by portraying Hester as extremely beautiful?
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What does the Flashback reveal about Hester's past?
What does the Flashback reveal about Hester's past?
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Study Notes
Chapter 2 Overview
- Chapter begins with a scene outside a prison where townspeople wait for a prisoner to emerge.
Puritan Women
- Hawthorne highlights the role of Puritan women as enforcers of societal norms, using Hester Prynne as a scapegoat to project their own moral superiority.
Hester Prynne's Sin
- Hester is condemned for adultery, having given birth to a child out of wedlock.
Punishment for Adultery
- The Old Testament law prescribes death as the punishment for adultery.
Public Sentiment
- Most townswomen advocate for Hester’s harsh punishment, seeing her scarlet letter as insufficient, reflecting the rigid and unforgiving nature of Puritan society.
Hester's Punishment
- Hester must wear a scarlet letter "A" on her clothing permanently and stand on the scaffold for three hours, where she is subjected to public humiliation.
Hester’s Acceptance
- The scarlet letter is intricately embroidered, symbolizing Hester's acceptance and acknowledgment of her sin, suggesting resilience and a personal connection to her punishment.
Allusion to Madonna and Child
- Hester and her daughter Pearl are compared to the Madonna and Child, but this sacred image is corrupted by Hester's sin, illustrating the conflict between purity and guilt.
Physiognomy and Hester’s Beauty
- Hester's striking beauty contrasts with her condemned status, challenging the notion that appearance dictates morality and suggesting a deeper sinful nature beneath her facade.
Flashback Insights
- Hester's flashback reveals her past, including her journey from England and memories of a cherished scholar, emphasizing the drastic change from her innocent beginnings to her current shameful state.
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Description
Dive into the pivotal moments of Chapter 2 of 'The Scarlet Letter,' where Hawthorne explores themes of sin, punishment, and societal judgment. Hester Prynne's plight highlights the harsh realities of Puritan society and the role of women in enforcing moral standards. Examine how public sentiment shapes Hester's punishment and her complex acceptance of her scarlet letter.
