Meagre, indeed, and cold, was the sympathy that a transgressor might look for, from such bystanders at the scaffold. On the other hand, a penalty which, in our days, would infer a degree of mocking infamy and ridicule, might then be invested with almost as stern a dignity as the punishment of death itself. Which best describes the purpose of the words "meagre," "scaffold," "stern," and "punishment of death"?, indeed, and cold, was the sympathy that a transgressor might look for, from such bystanders at the scaffold. On the other hand, a penalty which, in our days, would infer a degree of mocking infamy and ridicule, might then be invested with almost as stern a dignity as the punishment of death itself. Which best describes the purpose of the words "meagre," "scaffold," "stern," and "punishment of death"?

A. They impart a judgmental, reproachful mood.

Explanation:

Chapter 2 of "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne shows the scene in the marketplace where Hester Prynne and her "illegitimate" daughter Pearl are paraded in public for her "adulteration". Being branded with the scarlet letter "A" referring to the sin of "adultery", both mother and daughter were condemned and jeered by the public.

The use of the words "meager," "scaffold," "stern," and "punishment of death" give an impression of the judgmental attitude of the common people in general. The women in particular, took it as a chance to demonstrate their 'righteousness' and show their piety. Their reproachful look, approach and regard for Hester shows just how the Puritanical nature of the whole community is.

A on edge 2020 :)

Explanation:

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the third answer is right : )

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