In this chapter we finally get out of the forest. Hester and Dimmesdale’s meeting is over and therefore they depart their ways. For the first time there is a change in Dimmesdale’s character. Hester on the other hand through her charity work finds out that there is a ship set to sail to Europe in about 4 days and Dimmesdale sermon is in three days. Looks like everything is going in their favor for once. A different atmosphere takes over this chapter because of Dimmesdale’s sudden change of nature. It’s like something evil has overcome him. For instance along his way back from the forest he sees a young women and it seems like he wants to commit the sin again but something stops him. Also we see a bit of Mistress Hibbins, asking Dimmesdale if he needs company to the forest next time he goes. Moreover for a moment it feels like Dimmesdale is under Satan’s rule because this sudden rude nature comes out for the very first time. Next important event that takes place is when Chillingworth comes back in the scene and its interesting how Dimmesdale’s tone towards Chillingworth does not change. He kindly refuses Chillingworth’s treatment from now on and this makes Chillingworth wonder whether Hester had revealed his secret. Lastly when the old man leaves the reverend’s room a new spark ignites in Dimmesdale and he begins writing his speech all over again. And that’s how it ends.
That self was gone. Another man had returned out of the forest; a wiser one; with a knowledge of hidden mysteries which the simplicity of the former never could have reached. A bitter kind of knowledge that!
This is significant because it reflects on the change in Dimmesdale’s attitude after he emerges from the forest. For the first time Hawthorne shows a different side to the not so courageous Dimmesdale. And this new attitude plays an important role in the events that are to follow in the lives of Hester, Chillingworth and Dimmesdale himself.
That self was gone. Another man had returned out of the forest; a wiser one; with a knowledge of hidden mysteries which the simplicity of the former never could have reached. A bitter kind of knowledge that!
This is significant because it reflects on the change in Dimmesdale’s attitude after he emerges from the forest. For the first time Hawthorne shows a different side to the not so courageous Dimmesdale. And this new attitude plays an important role in the events that are to follow in the lives of Hester, Chillingworth and Dimmesdale himself.
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