Hawthorne uses the scaffolding scenes to show how the presence of light and darkness gives insight into the nature of the characters. In the first scaffold scene, Hester not only releases her guilt for her crime, but also releases Pearl to society and creates in Pearl the need for strength and determination that she will need to overcome the legacy of her creation. In this scene he also creates in Dimmesdale the need to absolve himself of his guilt. The second scaffold scene is Dimmesdale's opportunity to attempt to free his guilt from the first scaffold. However, Pearl creates a need for Dimmesdale to repent to the town. During the third scaffold scene, Dimmesdale is able to release his guilt over his crime and his lack of strength. He is also able to fulfill his obligation to accept Pearl and Hester's hands on the platform from the second gallows scene. Through his confession, he creates a sense of reality for the entire city. It is clearly seen that what is created in the first scaffold is released in the second scaffold; while, the things created in the second scaffold are finally released in the third and final scaffold. The darkness during the second gallows scene is covered in darkness, which shows the symbols of reality and truth. There is another complexity to scaffold scenes in the presence, or lack, of lighting. The first scaffolding