The Scarlet Letter: Event Before the Story Begins

Which event described in chapter 1 of The Scarlet Letter takes place before the story begins?

A. The crowd discusses Hester's crime.

B. The crowd walks to the scaffold.

C. The Puritans elect officials.

D. The Puritans erect a jail.

Final answer:

The event that takes place before the story begins in chapter 1 of The Scarlet Letter is the Puritans erecting a jail.

The event described in chapter 1 of The Scarlet Letter that takes place before the story begins is the Puritans erecting a jail. In the opening scene, the author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, vividly describes the prison and its surroundings, setting the tone for the rest of the novel. The jail symbolizes the strict and judgmental society in which the story is set.

It is important to note this event as it serves as a foreshadowing of the themes of punishment and societal norms that will be explored throughout the novel. By understanding the significance of the Puritans erecting a jail, readers can gain a deeper insight into the overall narrative and symbolism present in The Scarlet Letter.