the scarlet letter, symbol 3

Chapter 2


Comparing the rose-bush to the scarlet letter

In chapter 2, Hester Prynne stands on the scaffold outside the prison in front of everyone. She is wearing the scarlet letter, A, which stands for adultery. While she is standing there, she is holding her little baby, which is her punishment for cheating on her husband. We can compare the scarlet letter to the rose-bush mentioned in chapter one. The rose-bush has a direct connection to Anne Hutchinson, who stood out for what she meant. Hester Prynne is also compared to Anne Hutchinson, which leads to the rose-bush and the scarlet letter. Just as the rose-bush is connected to Anne Hutchinson, the scarlet letter is connected to Hester Prynne.