Why does Hawthorne begin the story with a reflection about the need for a cemetery and a prison? I read the chapter 1 and dont know why the author begin the story like that. The book is called the scarlet letter and question pertains to the first chapter.

Two bad places for people -- cemetery and jail.

http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/s/the-scarlet-letter/summary-and-analysis/chapter-1

In "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author begins the story with a reflection about the need for a cemetery and a prison in order to set the overall tone and themes of the novel.

Hawthorne uses the introduction as a way to establish a sense of moral ambiguity and explore the complexities of sin, guilt, and punishment within Puritan society. The contrast between the cemetery and the prison serves as a metaphor for the dual nature of humanity and the conflicting emotions that underlie the story.

The cemetery represents the inevitability of death and the finality of punishment, suggesting that the sins committed in the novel will ultimately lead to death, judgment, and the end of suffering. On the other hand, the prison symbolizes the oppressive nature of Puritan society, where sinners are confined and subjected to public shame. It introduces the theme of societal control and explores the tension between individual freedom and collective judgment.

By starting the story with this reflection, Hawthorne establishes the oppressive setting of Puritan Boston and introduces the central themes that will be explored throughout the novel, such as the consequences of secret sin, the hypocrisy of the community, and the personal growth and redemption of the characters.

Hawthorne begins "The Scarlet Letter" with a reflection about the necessity of a cemetery and a prison to set the stage for the moral and social themes that he explores throughout the novel. This introductory passage, often called the "Custom House" section, serves as a kind of prologue and provides important context for the main story.

Here's how you can understand the significance of this opening reflection:

1. Read the "Custom House" section: To fully grasp why Hawthorne begins the story in this way, it is important to read and analyze the entire "Custom House" section, which precedes the main narrative. This section provides valuable insights into the author's intention and creates a frame narrative for the events in the novel.

2. Identify the themes: Pay attention to the themes that Hawthorne introduces in the opening reflection. These themes include the nature of sin, morality, punishment, guilt, and the constraints of society. By discussing the cemetery and the prison, Hawthorne starts to explore the dichotomy between life and death, the public acknowledgement of wrongdoing, and the consequences of a restrictive society.

3. Consider the historical context: To fully appreciate Hawthorne's message, it's important to consider the historical period in which the story takes place. "The Scarlet Letter" is set in 17th-century Puritan Boston, a highly religious and morally rigid society. The existence of a cemetery and a prison symbolizes the puritanical beliefs that shaped the community and their methods of dealing with transgressions.

4. Analyze the symbolism: Reflect on the symbolic significance of a cemetery and a prison. A cemetery represents death, finality, and the consequences of one's actions. In contrast, a prison symbolizes punishment, confinement, and societal judgment. Hawthorne uses these symbols to explore the characters' moral struggles and examine how society shapes their identities.

By following these steps, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of why Hawthorne begins "The Scarlet Letter" with a reflection on the need for a cemetery and a prison. It sets the stage for the themes and conflicts that will be explored throughout the novel, providing a context for the events that unfold.