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:

a.) it provides a clue to solve the mystery.

different strategies reach different people based on their ability to understand the material. (from personal experience) when writing an argumentative essay write explaining the subject as though your audience never heard of it before and it is just being introduced, then explain why other people hate it also, afterward you would explain why that would be wrong. i hope that : )