The Scarlet Letter: Chapter 1- The Prison-Door

Powerful Rosebush Symbolism

This rose-bush, by a strange chance, has been kept alive in history; but whether it had merely survived out of the stern old wilderness, so long after the fall of the gigantic pines and oaks that originally overshadowed it,--or whether, as there is fair authority for believing, it had sprung up under the footsteps of the sainted Ann Hutchinson, as she entered the prison-door,--we shall not take upon us to determine.

Created with CAST's UDL Book Builder
CAST would like to thank Texthelp Inc. for use of the SpeechStream toolbar

What does Hawthorne say are the two ways that the rosebush's survival can be interpreted? Discuss with your neighbor.

Listen

Hawthorne says that the rosebush can be seen as either beauty left over from the past, or a symbol for the strength among the persecuted. Ann Hutchinson is a figure that stood for freedom in a society where she was a scapegoat for being different. The rosebush either symbolizes the goodness in the prisoners, or their beautiful strength and rebellion.

Listen

Select this then click anywhere in the book to start reading text Speak the current selection Stops speech playback Double-click a word in the book and click this icon to translate the word into Spanish