What are some Compound-complex sentences in The Scarlet Letter?

It's tricky to pinpoint *exact* compound-complex sentences from a novel like _The Scarlet Letter_ because the book is written in such a rich, complex, and often longwinded style. However, we can identify sections that *contain* elements of compound-complex structure, showcasing the combination of multiple independent and dependent clauses. Here are some examples, with the sentence elements highlighted:

Example 1:

* "_But, on the other hand, if he were really gone, the whole visible world would be but a show of shadows, and the real substance of things would vanish._**" (Chapter 1)

* Independent Clause 1: "But, on the other hand, if he were really gone..."

* Independent Clause 2: "the whole visible world would be but a show of shadows..."

* Dependent Clause: "...and the real substance of things would vanish."

This sentence combines two independent clauses (joined by "and") and a dependent clause, showcasing the complex structure.

Example 2:

* "_The sainted sorrow that had dwelt in Hester's bosom, as a divine and precious gift, had, by the sympathy of the loving heart around it, gradually diffused itself, and transformed all her life into one sweet sorrow._**" (Chapter 15)

* Independent Clause 1: "The sainted sorrow that had dwelt in Hester's bosom...had, by the sympathy of the loving heart around it, gradually diffused itself..."

* Dependent Clause: "...and transformed all her life into one sweet sorrow."

This sentence uses a long, complex independent clause followed by a dependent clause, which creates a layered and evocative effect.

Example 3:

* "_The more he pondered his connection with Hester, the more he felt it to be a bond which, unless broken by one or the other, would be likely to endure through their lives; since it had no apparent end, except that which could be brought about by death._**" (Chapter 17)

* Independent Clause 1: "The more he pondered his connection with Hester, the more he felt it to be a bond..."

* Dependent Clause 1: "...which, unless broken by one or the other, would be likely to endure through their lives..."

* Dependent Clause 2: "...since it had no apparent end, except that which could be brought about by death."

This sentence showcases multiple dependent clauses embedded within the overall structure, creating a complex and layered meaning.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other passages in _The Scarlet Letter_ that demonstrate the intricate use of compound-complex sentences. You can find more by looking for sentences with multiple clauses (both independent and dependent) connected by conjunctions like "and," "but," "or," "because," "since," "while," etc.

Remember, understanding the structure of sentences helps you analyze the complex meaning and themes woven into Hawthorne's masterful prose.