Student Question
What are the three detailed meanings of the meteor in The Scarlet Letter?
Quick answer:
The meteor in The Scarlet Letter symbolizes three meanings. Dimmesdale interprets it as forming an "A," suggesting he should also bear the symbol of shame. The sexton believes it stands for "Angel," marking Governor Winthrop's death. Additionally, the meteor's light exposes Roger Chillingworth watching Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale on the scaffold, highlighting the theme of hidden sin and observation.
Dimmesdale sees the meteor form an "A." He takes this to mean that he should wear an "A" too.
The sexton thinks it stands for "Angel," since Governor Winthrop died that
night.
The light of the meteor also reveals Roger Chillingworth observing the three
(Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale) on the scaffold.
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