An Analysis of
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THE MARKET-PLACE
An Analysis of Chapter 2
Tone
The Tone Is Solemn, Judgmental, And Somber, Conveying The Strictness Of Puritan Society And The Gravity Of Hester'S Public Shaming.
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thrilling - (4) | Crystal-clear - (5) | Explosive - (5) | None - (1) | Moderate - (3) |
Basically...
Hester Prynne is led from the prison to a scaffold in the market-place to be publicly shamed for bearing an illegitimate child. She exhibits both dignity and defiance under the gaze of the Puritan townsfolk.
In more detail...
The chapter details the public shaming of Hester Prynne, who has been convicted of adultery. The townspeople of Boston gather in the marketplace as Hester exits the prison with her infant and walks to the scaffold, showcasing the scarlet letter 'A' on her chest - a symbol of her adultery. The crowd includes a variety of characters, including stern Puritan women who discuss Hester's situation with a mixture of severity, moralization, and curiosity. Amid judgments and contemplations about punishment, Hester endures the gaze of the townsfolk with an apparent serene demeanor. Her beauty and dignified bearing contrast sharply with her situation. Once on the scaffold, Hester faces the crowd and reflects on her life and the road that led her to this point.
Characters
- Hester Prynne
- About - Hester is led from the prison to the scaffold, bearing her illegitimate child and the scarlet letter 'A' as symbols of her sin. Despite the shame, she maintains her dignity.
- Personality Traits - Hester shows dignity, strength of character, and a defiance as she faces the crowd.
- Physical Characteristics - Hester is described as tall, with dark and abundant hair, beautiful features, and a marked brow and deep black eyes. She carries her infant in her arms.
- The Townsfolk
- About - The Puritan townspeople of Boston gather to witness Hester's shaming. Their dialogue reveals a mix of judgment, gossip, and moralization.
- Personality Traits - They exhibit a stern demeanor, an unforgiving attitude towards transgression, and a morbid curiosity about punishments.
- Physical Characteristics - The women are characterized by broad shoulders, well-developed busts, round and ruddy cheeks, indicative of their old English heritage.
- Character Connections
- Hester Prynne - The townsfolk are the collective witness to Hester's shaming, embodying the public opinion and moral judgment of the Puritan community.
- Beadle
- About - The beadle appears as a figure representing the law, leading Hester from the prison to the scaffold.
- Personality Traits - Represents the law with a solemn demeanor, fulfilling his role without emotion.
- Physical Characteristics - Described as grim and grisly, with a sword by his side and carrying his staff of office.
- Character Connections
- Hester Prynne - The beadle leads Hester to the market-place, symbolically upholding the punishment that the Puritan society has sanctioned for her.