Table of Contents
- 1 What does the armor symbolize in the scarlet letter?
- 2 What is significant about the reflection of the scarlet letter in the suit of armor?
- 3 What does Hester’s reflection in the breastplate of the suit of armor symbolize?
- 4 What possible symbolic meanings are associated with sunshine and the suit of armor in Chapter 7?
- 5 What appears to be bigger when Hester looks in the mirror?
- 6 What is Hester shocked by when she looks at the reflection in Bellingham’s suit of armor?
What does the armor symbolize in the scarlet letter?
The suit of armor represents the society’s view of Hester and Pearl. The suit of armor can be likened to a magic funhouse mirror that physically warps the viewer’s appearance to match the perceived image that society holds for that individual. Hester Prynne’s image in the armor exaggerates her scarlet letter.
What is significant about the reflection of the scarlet letter in the suit of armor?
Terms in this set (6) What did Hester and Pearl see in the breastplate of the armor? What is the significance of the exaggeration? They saw their reflections, but mostly the scarlet A. The significance is that she felt that the A overtook herself and it hides her.
What is inferred when Hester looks into the armor which reflects the scarlet letter disproportionately and hides Hester behind it?
Explain the significance of Hester’s looking into the armor, which reflects the scarlet letter disproportionately and hides Hester behind it. This shows how the scarlet letter has become Hester’s identity. The people no longer see Hester, only the sin she has committed.
What does Hester see when she looks in the polished mirror of the breastplate of the suit of mail?
Hester looked, by way of humoring the child; and she saw that, owing to the peculiar effect of this convex mirror, the scarlet letter was represented in exaggerated and gigantic proportions, so as to be greatly the most prominent feature of her appearance.
What does Hester’s reflection in the breastplate of the suit of armor symbolize?
In chapter 7 of The Scarlet LetterNathaniel Hawthorne uses the breastplate to create imagery and symbolism that represents the idea that Hester Prynne and her illegitimate daughter Pearl are perceived to be sinful and deserving of their separation from the rest of society.
What possible symbolic meanings are associated with sunshine and the suit of armor in Chapter 7?
The sunshine and suit of armor represent a focus on the scarlet letter on Hester’s dress. When Pearl encourages Hester to look at herself in the suit of armor, Hester only sees the exaggerated, distorted proportions of the scarlet letter.
How does the reflection of Hester in the breastplate of the suit of armor and Pearl’s clothing help to define the symbol of the scarlet A in Chapter 7?
What does pearls reflection symbolize?
Pearl’s reflection in the brook is itself a reflection of her relative purity and innocence, which further separates mother and daughter. It’s also a symbol of how difficult it will be for Hester to move on with her life and start over.
What appears to be bigger when Hester looks in the mirror?
Suit of Armor, and its so shiny its almost like a mirror (fun house mirror). When Hester looks in the suit of armor, her A looks bigger which symbolizes how Hester sees herself.
What is Hester shocked by when she looks at the reflection in Bellingham’s suit of armor?
What is Hester shocked by when she looks at the reflection in Bellingham’s suit of armor? Dimmesdale’s passionate reasoning in favor of Hester. What does the narrator suggest Hester is saved from in being allowed to keep Pearl?