Chapter 13: Another View of Hester
Seven years pass since Hester's first time on the scaffold with Pearl. Pearl is also seven and an outcast in society. Hester has been getting back into helping the homeless, sick, and the scarlet letter "A" now stands for "Able" instead of "Adulterer," which some people refuse to recognize. She becomes tempered because of the red hot burning A and also wonders if it would be best for Dimmesdale to know about Chillingworth and her relationship.
Seven years pass since Hester's first time on the scaffold with Pearl. Pearl is also seven and an outcast in society. Hester has been getting back into helping the homeless, sick, and the scarlet letter "A" now stands for "Able" instead of "Adulterer," which some people refuse to recognize. She becomes tempered because of the red hot burning A and also wonders if it would be best for Dimmesdale to know about Chillingworth and her relationship.
Chapter 14: Hester and the Physician
Hester and Pearl are down by the sea when they come across Roger Chillingworth. Hester describes the age coming upon Chillingworth and the Devil transforming him into a sinister, dark evil man. Chillingworth also mentions his charm and intelligence he used to have when he was younger. It has been seven years since they have spoken and Hester asks Chillingworth to stop badgering Dimmesdale about his secret. Hester also mentions how she thinks that it is time to reveal Chillingworth's true identity to the minister because she knows that Chillingworth knows who her lover was. The topic of being able to take off the scarlet letter comes about, but Hester says that the A is burnt or pressed into her and that she cannot just take it off; instead she must earn the right to take it off.
Hester and Pearl are down by the sea when they come across Roger Chillingworth. Hester describes the age coming upon Chillingworth and the Devil transforming him into a sinister, dark evil man. Chillingworth also mentions his charm and intelligence he used to have when he was younger. It has been seven years since they have spoken and Hester asks Chillingworth to stop badgering Dimmesdale about his secret. Hester also mentions how she thinks that it is time to reveal Chillingworth's true identity to the minister because she knows that Chillingworth knows who her lover was. The topic of being able to take off the scarlet letter comes about, but Hester says that the A is burnt or pressed into her and that she cannot just take it off; instead she must earn the right to take it off.
Chapter 15: Hester and Pearl
Chillingworth stalks off and leaves Hester wondering about the evil inside of Chillingworth and the results of him touching life. While Hester and Chillingworth talk, Pearl has fun with the ocean and the nature. She makes miniture ships and sends them out into the ocean, she throws the sea foam into the air and pretends it is snowflakes, and she makes clothing out of seaweed and adds her own green A in an attempt to imitate her mother. Pearl asks Hester what the real meaning behind the scarlet letter is and why the minister always has his hand over his heart. Hester does not say the real reason even though Pearl does not relent until she has the correct answer. Hester soon has to scold Pearl, which never has happened before. Hester also describes Pearl's qualities and her characteristics and how she does not contain any type of evil inside of her.
Chillingworth stalks off and leaves Hester wondering about the evil inside of Chillingworth and the results of him touching life. While Hester and Chillingworth talk, Pearl has fun with the ocean and the nature. She makes miniture ships and sends them out into the ocean, she throws the sea foam into the air and pretends it is snowflakes, and she makes clothing out of seaweed and adds her own green A in an attempt to imitate her mother. Pearl asks Hester what the real meaning behind the scarlet letter is and why the minister always has his hand over his heart. Hester does not say the real reason even though Pearl does not relent until she has the correct answer. Hester soon has to scold Pearl, which never has happened before. Hester also describes Pearl's qualities and her characteristics and how she does not contain any type of evil inside of her.
Chapter 16: A Forest Walk
Hester takes a walk in the woods in search for Dimmesdale and brings Pearl along as she always does. Pearl catches and plays with the sun and tells Hester about the Black Man that walks through the forest with a big book and has everyone he meets sign his or her name in the book with his or her own blood. Hester admits to having met the Black Man before and the letter she wears upon her bosom is the scar he gave her. Hester tells Pearl to play near the stream because minister is coming. Pearl asks before she leaves if the minister's hand over his heart was also a scar from the Black Man.
Hester takes a walk in the woods in search for Dimmesdale and brings Pearl along as she always does. Pearl catches and plays with the sun and tells Hester about the Black Man that walks through the forest with a big book and has everyone he meets sign his or her name in the book with his or her own blood. Hester admits to having met the Black Man before and the letter she wears upon her bosom is the scar he gave her. Hester tells Pearl to play near the stream because minister is coming. Pearl asks before she leaves if the minister's hand over his heart was also a scar from the Black Man.
Chapter 17: The Pastor and His Parishioner
Upon seeing Dimmesdale, Hester and him sit down to talk, but nothing comes out at first because both take in their sin and the grief that has been upon their hearts. Dimmesdale talks about his remorse and shame he feels when he speaks at the church and in everyday life because he is living a double life and the guilt from not speaking the truth is devouring him. Hester then decides to tell Dimmesdale about who her husband is and the enemy that has been living under Dimmesdale's roof. Dimmesdale is appalled, yet forgiving towards Hester and finds Chillingworth more of a sinner than him. Hester comforts Dimmesdale and tells him of a better life they may have if they escape by foot or over seas to live as a family.
Upon seeing Dimmesdale, Hester and him sit down to talk, but nothing comes out at first because both take in their sin and the grief that has been upon their hearts. Dimmesdale talks about his remorse and shame he feels when he speaks at the church and in everyday life because he is living a double life and the guilt from not speaking the truth is devouring him. Hester then decides to tell Dimmesdale about who her husband is and the enemy that has been living under Dimmesdale's roof. Dimmesdale is appalled, yet forgiving towards Hester and finds Chillingworth more of a sinner than him. Hester comforts Dimmesdale and tells him of a better life they may have if they escape by foot or over seas to live as a family.
Chapter 18: A Flood of Sunshine
Both Hester and Dimmesdale are overcome with excitement about their plans for Europe. Hester decides to throw off her scarlet letter and Dimmesdale forgives himself so that neither one of them feels any shame or guilt. Both feel light come upon them inside the forest both in their souls and physically. Hester gains her abundance of beauty that she once held before this incident. Hester wants Dimmesdale to officially meet Pearl and tells him all about the daughter they have together. He worries that Pearl will not accept him, but Hester convinces him other wise.
Both Hester and Dimmesdale are overcome with excitement about their plans for Europe. Hester decides to throw off her scarlet letter and Dimmesdale forgives himself so that neither one of them feels any shame or guilt. Both feel light come upon them inside the forest both in their souls and physically. Hester gains her abundance of beauty that she once held before this incident. Hester wants Dimmesdale to officially meet Pearl and tells him all about the daughter they have together. He worries that Pearl will not accept him, but Hester convinces him other wise.
Chapter 19: The Child at the Brook-Side
Pearl hears her name and very slowly starts to walk her mother's way. Hester calls Pearl's name repeatedly to come because Pearl stops just beyond the brook and will not cross it. The only movement that Pearl gives is pointing her finger at her mother's bosom. Hester realizes that Pearl does not recognize Hester without the embroidered A, so very unwillingly Hester puts the letter in its rightful place. Hester describes that when she puts the letter back on, everything loses its life and light as before. Pearl comes running with enthusiasm towards her mother and meets the clergyman. He tries to make kind conversation with her, but Pearl rejects his offer to even be friends. Hester and Dimmesdale move back their plans to move as a family for a couple of days and agree to live normally for a while longer.
Pearl hears her name and very slowly starts to walk her mother's way. Hester calls Pearl's name repeatedly to come because Pearl stops just beyond the brook and will not cross it. The only movement that Pearl gives is pointing her finger at her mother's bosom. Hester realizes that Pearl does not recognize Hester without the embroidered A, so very unwillingly Hester puts the letter in its rightful place. Hester describes that when she puts the letter back on, everything loses its life and light as before. Pearl comes running with enthusiasm towards her mother and meets the clergyman. He tries to make kind conversation with her, but Pearl rejects his offer to even be friends. Hester and Dimmesdale move back their plans to move as a family for a couple of days and agree to live normally for a while longer.
Chapter 20: The Minister in a Maze
Dimmesdale walks back through the town to his office and along the way struggles with good and evil. He walks by elders in the church and tries hard to restrain himself from speaking blasphemy about the church and God. He then comes across a group of christened children and also has the urge to corrupt their growing minds and souls. He passes Ms. Hibbins who offers to go with him the next time he retreats into the forest. He hurries into his office and there is greeted by Chillingworth. Dimmesdale asks him to stop the use of the physician's drugs and also throws away his old sermons. He begins writing a new one sermon because he feels as though he is a new man.
Dimmesdale walks back through the town to his office and along the way struggles with good and evil. He walks by elders in the church and tries hard to restrain himself from speaking blasphemy about the church and God. He then comes across a group of christened children and also has the urge to corrupt their growing minds and souls. He passes Ms. Hibbins who offers to go with him the next time he retreats into the forest. He hurries into his office and there is greeted by Chillingworth. Dimmesdale asks him to stop the use of the physician's drugs and also throws away his old sermons. He begins writing a new one sermon because he feels as though he is a new man.
Chapter 21: The New England Holiday
The town has the day off and goes to the center to see the procession pass with all of the great nobles people in the village. This holiday is usually a gloomy type of gathering, but because of the people's heredity in Europe and being exposed to the Elizabethan time period, a little light and enjoyment mixes into the gathering. Sailors and Indians come in with their colored clothing and can be distinctly picked out in a crowd of clothing consisting of the colors black and brown. Chillingworth is spotted talking to the seaman. After his conversation with the seaman he goes over to Hester and informs her that Chillingworth will also be going on the journey to Europe because he is tired of the Puritans and is a doctor who will be needed on board.
The town has the day off and goes to the center to see the procession pass with all of the great nobles people in the village. This holiday is usually a gloomy type of gathering, but because of the people's heredity in Europe and being exposed to the Elizabethan time period, a little light and enjoyment mixes into the gathering. Sailors and Indians come in with their colored clothing and can be distinctly picked out in a crowd of clothing consisting of the colors black and brown. Chillingworth is spotted talking to the seaman. After his conversation with the seaman he goes over to Hester and informs her that Chillingworth will also be going on the journey to Europe because he is tired of the Puritans and is a doctor who will be needed on board.
Chapter 22: The Procession
During the parade, the military men and the high religious elite come. Hester and Pearl spot Dimmesdale and notice that he walks seemingly without a soul as though his mind is somewhere else. She begins to have a second opinion about sailing away with him, while Pearl barely recognizes who he is. Ms. Hibbins comes to talk to Hester to investigate the devil's relationship with Pearl and the hiding of the minister's sin. While the clergyman is speaking, Hester feels a sort of power being unleashed in his speech because of the deeper message of his sin that he may be trying to explain. Pearl goes around making other people's days joyous and encounters the seaman that talked to Hester. He tells Pearl to inform Hester that Chillingworth will accommodate Dimmesdale so Hester may focus on Pearl. Hester, now standing on the scaffold, receives this message. She becomes destraught and realizes that everybody is once again staring at her scarlet letter.
During the parade, the military men and the high religious elite come. Hester and Pearl spot Dimmesdale and notice that he walks seemingly without a soul as though his mind is somewhere else. She begins to have a second opinion about sailing away with him, while Pearl barely recognizes who he is. Ms. Hibbins comes to talk to Hester to investigate the devil's relationship with Pearl and the hiding of the minister's sin. While the clergyman is speaking, Hester feels a sort of power being unleashed in his speech because of the deeper message of his sin that he may be trying to explain. Pearl goes around making other people's days joyous and encounters the seaman that talked to Hester. He tells Pearl to inform Hester that Chillingworth will accommodate Dimmesdale so Hester may focus on Pearl. Hester, now standing on the scaffold, receives this message. She becomes destraught and realizes that everybody is once again staring at her scarlet letter.
Chapter 23: The Revelation of the Scarlet Letter
The minister finishes his speech and everyone chats about what a wonderful sermon the Reverend gave. The procession marches on towards a banquet, but Dimmsdale stops short in front of the scaffold. He claims his rightful place on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl, while Chillingworth tries to talk him out of it. Once upon the scaffold he assures Hester that God will decide what to do with them and that he is a forgiving God. He then speaks to the enormous crowd about him also being a sinner and shares his regret of not admitting to his sin earlier. Dimmesdale then receives the kiss from Pearl that brings the family together, and talks to Hester about how God has been merciful. He then dies once he is done talking to Hester.
The minister finishes his speech and everyone chats about what a wonderful sermon the Reverend gave. The procession marches on towards a banquet, but Dimmsdale stops short in front of the scaffold. He claims his rightful place on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl, while Chillingworth tries to talk him out of it. Once upon the scaffold he assures Hester that God will decide what to do with them and that he is a forgiving God. He then speaks to the enormous crowd about him also being a sinner and shares his regret of not admitting to his sin earlier. Dimmesdale then receives the kiss from Pearl that brings the family together, and talks to Hester about how God has been merciful. He then dies once he is done talking to Hester.
Chapter 24: The Conclusion
The talk of the town is about whether the people actually saw a scarlet letter burned into the minister's heart as well, and many different theories have been told. The conclusion tells the reader that Dimmesdale's death was a parable to teach the idea that everyone, even the holiest, sin and that sinning is a natural part of being human. Chillingworth was said to have withered up and vanished right after Dimmesdale's death because there was no reason for Chillingworth to live because his only cause for living was getting revenge. No one knows exactly what happens to Pearl other than the idea that she becomes rather wealthy Hester is said to have come back to the cottage and counseled others about life. By the time of her death, the scarlet letter was no longer a symbol or stigma for shame or guilt; instead it was symbol of sorrow. She died and is buried in the same lot as Dimmesdale, but not close to him. They are said to have shared the same tombstone heading though: "On a field, sable, the letter A, gules".
The talk of the town is about whether the people actually saw a scarlet letter burned into the minister's heart as well, and many different theories have been told. The conclusion tells the reader that Dimmesdale's death was a parable to teach the idea that everyone, even the holiest, sin and that sinning is a natural part of being human. Chillingworth was said to have withered up and vanished right after Dimmesdale's death because there was no reason for Chillingworth to live because his only cause for living was getting revenge. No one knows exactly what happens to Pearl other than the idea that she becomes rather wealthy Hester is said to have come back to the cottage and counseled others about life. By the time of her death, the scarlet letter was no longer a symbol or stigma for shame or guilt; instead it was symbol of sorrow. She died and is buried in the same lot as Dimmesdale, but not close to him. They are said to have shared the same tombstone heading though: "On a field, sable, the letter A, gules".