The Scarlet Letter: Key Quotes
The Scarlet Letter: Key Quotes
Opening Quotes
- “A throng of bearded men, in sad-colored garments and grey steeple-crowned hats…” (Chapter II). These visual details introduce the setting and atmosphere of the Puritan society that the novel is set in - sombre, serious, and controlled.
- “She bore in her arms a baby” (Chapter II). Initial reference to Hester’s sin and her daughter Pearl, significant characters and symbols in the story.
Hester Prynne
- “…on the breast of her gown…the letter A…a fine red cloth, surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread” (Chapter II). The scarlet letter ‘A’, which Hester is sentenced to wear, symbolizes her sin of adultery.
- “Had they taken her from me, I would willingly have gone with thee into the forest, and signed my name in the Black Man’s book too, and that with mine own blood!” (Chapter IV). Expresses Hester’s despair and struggle, highlighting the grave impact of societal scorn and punishment.
Arthur Dimmesdale
- “No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true” (Chapter XX). This reveals Dimmesdale’s inner conflict, struggling with his guilt and maintaining his public image as a revered minister.
Roger Chillingworth
- “Think not that I shall interfere with Heaven’s own method of retribution” (Chapter IV). Chillingworth’s words depict his desire for revenge and his depiction as a devil-like character.
Pearl
- “She could recognize her wild, desperate, defiant mood, the flightiness of her temper, and even some of the very cloud-shapes of gloom and despondency that had brooded in her heart” (Chapter VI). Pearl, as a symbol of Hester’s sin, reflects Hester’s own emotions, thoughts, and conflict.
Closure Quotes
- “She had not known the weight until she felt the freedom!” (Chapter XVIII). Represents Hester’s relief when she finally removes the scarlet letter, signifying her redemption and liberation from society’s judgement.
- “It was to teach them, that the holiest among us has but attained so far above his fellows as to discern more clearly the Mercy which looks down, and repudiate more utterly the phantom of human merit” (Chapter XXIV). Final comments on Dimmesdale’s death impart a lesson of humility, mercy, and the recognition of human fallibility - key themes of the novel.