What natural celestial phenomenon occurs during Dimmesdale's midnight vigil on the scaffold, which he guiltily interprets as a divine sign?
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Correct answer: A bright meteor crosses the sky, burning an immense red letter 'A' into the clouds.
As Dimmesdale stands on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl, a passing meteor illuminates the sky in the shape of a red letter 'A'. While the minister's guilt makes him believe God has written his secret sin for the universe to see, the rest of the town interprets the celestial sign as standing for 'Angel', honoring the passing of Governor Winthrop. This double meaning emphasizes Hawthorne's view that symbols are ambiguous and shaped by human perspective.
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More The Scarlet Letter questions
- What professional skill allows Roger Chillingworth to easily embed himself in the Puritan community and secure a shared lodging with Minist…
- What plan do Hester and Dimmesdale agree upon during their secret meeting in the woods to escape Chillingworth's malice?
- What specific transformation occurs in Pearl after she kisses her dying father during his public confession on the scaffold?
- What happens to Roger Chillingworth within a year of Arthur Dimmesdale's public confession and death?
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- Where is Hester Prynne buried at the conclusion of the novel, and what is unique about her final resting place?