Chapter Thirteen
In chapter thirteen, we learn that it has been 7 years since Pearl was born. Hester has become a great addition to the community. She works to bring food to the poor, is an aid in troublesome times, and she nurses the sick. She is still scorned for her aldultury, but she is being seen as more of a person who is able to do things to help out rather than an adulterer. Hester however, does not feel this way about becoming known as able instead of an adulterer. The scarlet letter had left a harsh outline of the person she previously was. She began worrying about pearl’s well being. Along with worrying about pearl, Hester began to worry about keeping Chillinworth’s identity a secret from Dimmesdale and the harm she could possibly be causing him. Chapter Fourteen
Hester accosts the physician at the beach and lets him have a piece of her mind. Chillingworth says that they are considering removing the Scarlet Letter from Hester’s bosom but Hester says that it will fall off when God wills it. Hester notices Chillingworth’s change in physical appearance and asks him to lighten up on Dimmesdale. Hester then expresses her distaste with this change into an awful and devilish man. Chapter Fifteen
In chapter fifteen, Hester has realized that she hates Chillingworth. She thinks it was self-delusion that made her think she could have once been happy with him. While thinking these thoughts, she has gone to find Pearl who is sitting in the ocean. She is playing with eelgrass and puts one that is in the shape of an A on her chest. Although it is an A strategically placed on her chest like her mother’s, the A is actually green instead of red. The color is a symbol of fresh new beginnings. Pearl wants to know more about what the scarlet letter means, but Hester thinks she is too young to understand the true meaning of it. Instead of learning the real meaning, Pearl makes a connection with Dimmesdale’s clutching of his heart and presses her mom for the truth in the days after. |
Chapter Sixteen
Hester wants to warn Dimmesdale about Chillingworth. On the way to meet Dimmesdale, the sunshine shines on Pearl and hides from Hester. The two ladies decide to take a rest in the forest and Pearl asks for a story about the “Black Man”. Then Pearl asks about the scarlet letter. She wonders if it is the mark of the devil and then asks if Hester had ever met the devil. Hester finally tells Pearl that she had indeed me the devil and that the scarlet letter was his mark. While waiting near a brook in the woods, the minister approaches and Hester notices that he looks old and feeble and has a hand over his heart. Chapter Seventeen
In chapter seventeen, a new and important setting is introduced. In the beginning, Hester is calling after Dimmesdale to talk to him. The two slip into the forest, which is a significant location and symbol in the story. Hester inquires him on whether he has found peace, and she finds out that he has not found peace but instead has found despair. Hester also tells Dimmesdale that Chillingworth is in fact her husband. Dimmesdale becomes angry at this revelation and blames Hester for all the suffering he has done. After an explosion of emotions from both Hester and Dimmesdale, he forgives her. Chillingworth knows that Hester wants to reveal his identity and it is feared that he may reveal the secret of Hester and Dimmesdale. In the end, Hester and Dimmesdale plan to sail to and live as a family in Europe. Chapter Eighteen
This chapter talks about Hester’s daring and courageous demeanor that had been taught to her through shame, despair and solitude. The author then characterizes Dimmesdale is the complete opposite of Hester. Dimmesdale decides to accept her offer and live with her. After declaring that the past is gone, Hester casts off her scarlet letter and throws it by the edge of the brook. After throwing the letter, her youthful sexiness and beauty return and the sun shines down on her. The author writes that you could see the love in her eyes. Hester wants to tell Pearl the news so she calls Pearl over. Pearl begins to slowly walk over form where she is standing and adorns herself with leaves on the way. |