The Scarlet Letter blog #1

Q1:
" 'People say,' said another, 'that the Reverend Master Dimmesdale, her godly pastor takes it very grievously to heart that such a scandal should have come upon his congregation" (Hawthorne 48-49).

A1:
It is plausible that Reverend Master Dimmesdale would be the father of the Prynne's child. This is so because Hawthorne is a transcendentalist and would be making discreet critique of the Congregational church through the result of its teaching in its ministers. Specifically, the critique would be of the frailty of an organized church system. It calls people to appreciate God in church and act out lustfully (or in another negative way). Where as transcendentalists, in theory, are constantly surrounded in God's goodness and never lose sight of it.

Q1
" 'She hath good skill at her needle, that's certain,' remarked one of her female spectators; 'but did ever a woman before this brazen hussy, contrive such a way of showing it!" (Hawthorne 51).

A1:
The artistically sewn A is strange for someone who has been locked away. Usually, artistic expression is an expression of happiness, especially the way it has been described within the text. Prynne does not seem like she would have much to look forward to that would inspire such an elegant embroidery. Perhaps she believes that the man who has impregnated her will stay true to her and still love her in the midst of her predicament, however society's harsh treatment of such adulators would suggest otherwise.