Gown Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
““The door of the jail being flung open, the young woman stood fully revealed before the crowd. It seemed to be her first impulse to clasp the infant closely to her bosom that she might conceal a certain token which was wrought or fastened to her dress. In a moment, however, wisely judging that one token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another, she took the baby on her arm, and, with a burning blush and yet a haughty smile, looked around at her townspeople and neighbors. On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread, appeared the letter A.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1850
A woman hides a secret symbol on her dress, choosing to reveal a different mark instead, showing how people manage shame and identity.
In simple terms: She hides one shame by displaying another.
Key Takeaway
Embrace authenticity over concealment.
Themes
shame
identity
public perception
self‑presentation
Mood
anxious
defiant
Type
literary
dramatic
When to use this quote
- courtroom drama
- public confession
- social stigma
- personal branding
Key Concepts
symbolism
social judgment
personal integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the letter A symbolize for her?
- How does public exposure affect personal shame?
A Different Perspective
The act may still expose underlying guilt.
