answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The Scarlet Letter is a book by Nathaniel Hawthorne, set in North American colonial times, in which the protagonist is made to wear a scarlet letter "A" signifying that she is guilty of adultery - yes, believe it or not, there was a time when that was taken VERY seriously!

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

1mo ago

The term scarlet letter refers to a mark of shame or disgrace, often associated with public judgment or punishment for a wrongdoing. It originates from Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel of the same name, where the protagonist Hester Prynne is forced to wear a scarlet "A" as a symbol of her adultery.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Hester Prynne the adulteress is the most obvious. Not only has she committed the sin of adultery but she is the one who pays the most for it. She spared of the death penalty but her punishment is just as good as being dead. She would carry the letter "A" engraved on her and forever be ostracised for her sinful act. The Reverend Dimmesdale is also guilty of immorality and even though he hides it, his sin finds him out. He is tortured by it for seven years. Roger Chillingworth, Hester's husband is guilty of the sin of revenge. It dominates his life completely. Not only are the major characters sinful, but the whole Puritan community is as well. Their pride, lack of compassion and judgmental spirit makes them just as sinful as the rest.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

A scarlet letter is a badge or symbol that indicates the wearer of such has committed a crime. It did originate from the book "The Scarlet Letter."

In the book, there is literally a scarlet (strong red or red/orange) letter A given as punishment of adultery. It is now, more often, used figuratively.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Red is passion and sin. The first encounter with red is the description of a wild red rosebush growing outside the prison where Hestor was imprisoned. This is representing Hestor's pride and passion, growing in a place not fitting, similar to how Hestor's passion did not fit in with the Puritan society

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

scarlet is the color of the letter A that Hester Prynne was forced to wear for committing adultery.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

a Scarlett letter is a large red A that was put on the dresses of adulteresses long ago to shame them.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What does the term scarlet letter mean?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Which letter was The Scarlet Letter?

The letter A was the letter for the scarlet letter.


The Scarlet was the letter?

The letter on the chest of Hester Prynne's dress is a scarlet letter A. A for adultery.


What does youthful era mean in the scarlet letter?

The term "youthful era" in "The Scarlet Letter" refers to a time in Hester Prynne's life when she was young and vivacious, before she faced the consequences of her adultery. It represents a period of innocence and freedom that contrasts with the shame and isolation she experiences after being publicly shamed for her sin.


The scarlet letter was which letter?

The Scarlet Letter is a red A, which stands for adultery.


What color is The Scarlet Letter?

"The Scarlet Letter" is typically depicted as red, symbolizing passion, sin, and shame. The color red is used to represent the main theme of the novel and the scarlet letter itself.


When was The Scarlet Letter created?

The Scarlet Letter was created in 1850.


How does the author of The Scarlet Letter organize the first chapter?

The author tries to relate the story of scarlet letter with the letter 'A'. He tries to symbolise the scarlet letter.


Who was Martin Luther in The Scarlet Letter?

Martin Luther is not in the Scarlet Letter


What year was The Scarlet Letter published?

The Scarlet Letter was published in 1850.


What does utopia mean in The Scarlet Letter?

In The Scarlet Letter, utopia is presented as a perfect, fictional society that contrasts with the reality of Puritan New England. This contrast highlights the imperfections and flaws of the society depicted in the novel. The idea of utopia in The Scarlet Letter serves as a commentary on societal norms and values.


The Scarlet Letter was the letter of?

It was the letter of "A"


What letter was The Scarlet Letter?

A.