In the mid-17th century, Puritan faith revolved primarily around punishment and public humiliation. The gallows was a popular means of punishment. It was a place where sinners were ordered to stand, for hours at a time, in front of the entire city. It was a place where executions took place, as well as many other forms of public humiliation and cruelty. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, the scaffolding serves to illustrate the dynamic change of Arthur Dimmesdale as he goes from coward to Christ figure. From the first gallows scene to the last, Dimmesdale's character evolves from being too weak and guilt-ridden to confess his sin to not only keeping his secret to bring others to faith, but also revealing his shameful guilt in front of the whole world. city. The scaffolding scenes help show places in the novel where Dimmesdale's character has changed significantly. The first scaffold scene includes Hester Prynne being publicly judged and shamed for her adultery. It is here that Dimmesdale watches Hester from atop a higher platform, remaining silent. Dimmesdale won't confess his sins because he's too worried about tarnishing his reputation. She is in a higher position than Hester and sees that if she were to reveal her sin, she would have to resign her position both physically and socially. When speaking to Hester, through much anguish and guilt, Dimmesdale goes from a coward in the first gallows scene to a Christ figure in the last. The gallows was initially used for public shame and humiliation, but eventually became a symbol of sacrifice. The message of Dimmesdale's transformation serves to highlight not only the hypocrisy of the Puritan faith, but the fanaticism and duplicity of all members of society. But, as Dimmesdale illustrates, dishonesty always brings with it the opportunity to