Status Updates From The Scarlet Letter

I'm reading "The Scarlett Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and the recurring theme within the book is deep-rootedness of shame; the author emphasizes the lingering effects of Hester's adultery on future generations, writing, "Thus, the young and pure would be taught to look at her ... And over her grave, the infamy that she must carry thither would be her only monument" (Hawthorne 55).

Hester is pretty cool

In this portion of the Scarlet Letter, a prison is being described and I think it has a deeper meaning. Nathaniel Hawthorne says that there is a "...rose-bush... that has been kept alive in history" (Hawthorne 46). The rest of the prison is dark and not taken care of. I think this single rose bush contrasting with the gloomy prison symbolizes the small amount of human kindness given to those receiving punishment.