Question

What is Hawthorne's purpose for the first four chapters of The Scarlet Letter?

A. These chapters establish the setting and tone of the novel.
B. The reader learns in the first few chapters about the power of forgiveness that the town of Salem has.
C. The first few chapters teach the reader how cruel and unforgiving Reverend Dimmesdale is.
D. The first four chapters begin the novel at the end, so the rest of the novel builds the plot back up.

Answer 1

Hawthorne's purpose for the Scarlet Letter's first 4 chapters would be A. The chapters establish the tone as well as the setting of the novel. Later on would reveal the theme that sin would result to suffering. Hope this would be of help.