This simple action shows Hester's determination to remain as strong as possible and not to succumb to the pressure of the public humiliation. She refused to allow the harsh reality of her sin to overcome her ability to function as a dignified woman. When emerging from the prison, Hester Prynne walked with her own free will to confront the crowd. What is Hest'ers first action in the novel and what does it reveal about her character? Describe her demanor as she emerges from the prison. This is similar to the rosebush in the sense that something positive can come from such a negative environment.Ĥ. She believes that Hester has enough pain to deal with and that the women of the town shouldn't contribute. This young wife contrasts the negativity with her sympathetic responses. Despite the many women criticizing Hester, one young wife sticks up for her.

The strictness of both their religion and government dictate the harsh public opinion and judgmental attitudes. The Puritan society is ruled by religion and sins are the equivalent of crimes. The women scold Hester for appearing almost dignified when she has committed a serious sin. Many women criticized her for her act of adultery and the fancy embroidered 'A' on her dress. The women of Boston come across very judgmental and rude as Hester emerged from the jail. What traits characterize the women of Salem? How might their collective demeanor be a product of Puritan society? What is the artistic function of the 'young wife' within the group? It symbolizes hope and happiness in an area engulfed by negativity. The beauty of the rosebush contrasts the foreshadowing gloom that prison and graveyard bring. Despite the dark environment of being surrounded by a prison and graveyard, a beautiful rose bush was able to grow. The rose bush is the only thing that has a positive connotation in Chapter 1, thus making it stick out. What is the isgnificance (symbolic, thematic, or otherwise) of the rosebush outside the prison door?

The negative qualities are repeated in the description of the scene.Ģ. In the market place, the townsfolk are portrayed as judgmental and rude. The atmosphere is described as generally a sad, eerie place with equally dreary people and buildings.

The gloomy description helps build the scene outside the prison door.

Hawthorne describes the townsfolk as dressed in 'sad-colored garments'. What types of imagery are used to introduce the Puritan townsfolk in 'The Prison Door'? What is the effect of this imagery and how does the narrator further this portrayal in 'The Market Place'?

Dimmesdale's internal conflict quotes