What happened when the narrator placed the scarlet letter A on his breast?
A. He experienced a sensation of burning heat, as if it were red-hot iron.
B. He thought he glimpsed an apparition of an anguished young woman.
C. He was overwhelmed with feelings of regret for his lost love.
D. He heard the pure sound of a child’s merry laughter.
What happened when the narrator placed the scarlet letter A on his breast?
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The correct answer is A. He experienced a sensation of burning heat, as if it were red-hot iron.
When the narrator, Reverend Dimmesdale, places the scarlet letter A on his breast, he feels intense shame and guilt for his hidden sin. This moment symbolizes his internal torment and makes him acutely aware of his transgression, similar to the pain one would feel from a physical burn. It’s a powerful depiction of how guilt can manifest physically and emotionally.