Chapter 1
2. The rose bush is the first symbol that we come across. The importance of the rosebush outside the prison door shows that there is hope amidst all sadness. The red rose symbolizes love and passion. More importantly it connects to the scarlet letter Hester wears on her chest.
Chapter 2
4. As Hester emerges from the prison she’s holding pearl close to her bosom and as she walks through, she looks around at everyone. She walks with dignity. This reflects on her bold nature.
5.In the line “outrage…against our common nature” the author talks about adultery.Yes I completely agree with it because it is a great sin and apart from that it is morally wrong.The writer’s viewpoint reflects that he was a strong Puritan believer.
5.In the line “outrage…against our common nature” the author talks about adultery.Yes I completely agree with it because it is a great sin and apart from that it is morally wrong.The writer’s viewpoint reflects that he was a strong Puritan believer.
Chapter 3
7. The stranger standing next to the Indian was a white, deformed wanderer. Who’s supposedly new to the town and is not aware of what’s happening .He inquires about the lady standing at the scaffold. He has intelligent features. Nothing can be said about his age at this point because he doesn’t look too old and nor too young.
9. Reverend Dimmesdale is a fine young clergyman who has studied from England’s top most universities. He’s’ well versed in his religion and delivers sermons. His physical feature is what stands him out. His large black melancholy eyes and the impending brow. Also how Hawthorne has said he spoke only when needed depicts that he was a wise and quiet soul.
10. Dimmesdale puts in all his effort to convince Hester to reveal the name while she’s at the scaffold. He says that she’s doing him no good but keeping his name a secret because it will only tempt him to commit this sin of adultery again. Dimmesdale s speech sinks in everyone’s heart including the infant Pearl, she turns her face towards Dimmesdale. However Hester is determined not to reveal his name to avoid the public embarrassment and also because she doesn’t want him to suffer with her.
11. Hester knows that the sin of adultery is the greatest sin amongst the Puritan belief and she knows she cannot change what she has done. Hence as a reminder Hester shall wear it for the rest of her life.
9. Reverend Dimmesdale is a fine young clergyman who has studied from England’s top most universities. He’s’ well versed in his religion and delivers sermons. His physical feature is what stands him out. His large black melancholy eyes and the impending brow. Also how Hawthorne has said he spoke only when needed depicts that he was a wise and quiet soul.
10. Dimmesdale puts in all his effort to convince Hester to reveal the name while she’s at the scaffold. He says that she’s doing him no good but keeping his name a secret because it will only tempt him to commit this sin of adultery again. Dimmesdale s speech sinks in everyone’s heart including the infant Pearl, she turns her face towards Dimmesdale. However Hester is determined not to reveal his name to avoid the public embarrassment and also because she doesn’t want him to suffer with her.
11. Hester knows that the sin of adultery is the greatest sin amongst the Puritan belief and she knows she cannot change what she has done. Hence as a reminder Hester shall wear it for the rest of her life.
Chapter 4
13. Hester’s husband Chillingworth talks to her and does not fully blame Hester for the situation she is in. He admits it’s his fault for not following up with her when he said he would. He agrees that Hester alone cannot be blamed.
Chapter 5
16.The author talks about two reasons.The “authentic” one refers to the fact that Hester was born and married there and hence refuses to leave New England.The other reason why Hester wants to stay there is to seek God’s forgiveness in all honesty.This reveals that Hester was a strong willed woman because she chose to stay and she had realized her mistake and sincerely wanted forgiveness
17. After being released Hester moves far away from the town to the suburbs. She lives with Pearl in a cottage left abandoned because the soil is not fertile and so is not needed just like Hester‘s presence is not needed by the townspeople.
20. The women are jealous from the very first sight of the scarlet letter because of the beautiful way Hester had made it. To provide living for her little pearl Hester starts her needlework. Her craft is appreciated all over the town. Even the ministers give her orders. She makes everything except the veil of a bride, because they fear the bride might follow Hester’s footsteps.
17. After being released Hester moves far away from the town to the suburbs. She lives with Pearl in a cottage left abandoned because the soil is not fertile and so is not needed just like Hester‘s presence is not needed by the townspeople.
20. The women are jealous from the very first sight of the scarlet letter because of the beautiful way Hester had made it. To provide living for her little pearl Hester starts her needlework. Her craft is appreciated all over the town. Even the ministers give her orders. She makes everything except the veil of a bride, because they fear the bride might follow Hester’s footsteps.
Chapter 6
22. The narrator describes Pearl as an airy spirit. An imp like creature. She has a capricious nature and keeps Hester at her toes. Moreover Pearl is beyond mature for her age. She questions Hester about the scarlet letter and as to why Dimmesdale keeps his hand over his chest
24. Hester and Pearl share a close bond. Pearl’s mischievous nature I think will at one point reveal the truth.The townspeople often refer to her as an 'imp'.
24. Hester and Pearl share a close bond. Pearl’s mischievous nature I think will at one point reveal the truth.The townspeople often refer to her as an 'imp'.
Chapter 7
26. Pearl wears a scarlet garb, which connects with the Scarlet letter on Pearl’s chest and also the color red signifies passion and love. Hawthorne makes it very clear with Pearl’s dress. The red on Pearl is the reason for the red on Hester’s chest.
27. Governor Bellingham’s house is like a palace. The pictures of the previous generations of the Bellingham family are put up in the hallways.Its elegant and reflects his personality.The wooden house is one of a kind and reflects on the importance of piety in the Puritan religion.
27. Governor Bellingham’s house is like a palace. The pictures of the previous generations of the Bellingham family are put up in the hallways.Its elegant and reflects his personality.The wooden house is one of a kind and reflects on the importance of piety in the Puritan religion.
Chapter 8
29. The governor says that Pearl might follow Hester’s footsteps and that Hester will not teach her religion the right way because of her own actions. The minister asks Pearl who had created her and she remarks that nobody created her. And this ticks off the minister and assures that Hester has not been teaching her what she should be. Pearl’s appearance also plays an important role because she reflects an airy spirit. And they believe she might have the sole of a devil in her
30. Hester says that Pearl is the sole reason for her living if Pearl goes she’ll die. She says that the reason she wears the scarlet letter is because of Pearl and now they will take her away. She’s Hester’s pain and pleasure. Hester also agrees that Pearl keeps her on a straight path. She then turns to her pastor Dimmesdale and seeks his assistance and Dimmesdale is able to make everyone agree.
30. Hester says that Pearl is the sole reason for her living if Pearl goes she’ll die. She says that the reason she wears the scarlet letter is because of Pearl and now they will take her away. She’s Hester’s pain and pleasure. Hester also agrees that Pearl keeps her on a straight path. She then turns to her pastor Dimmesdale and seeks his assistance and Dimmesdale is able to make everyone agree.
Chapter 9
33. Nobody knows Chillingworth’s real identity except Hester. He’s a physician well versed in his occupation. The townspeople consider him to be a blessing from Heaven above because he has vast knowledge. As readers we are curious because he’s not really a physician he just learned medicine while he was stuck with Indians on his journey here. Also he really wants to get close to Dimmesdale and this arouses curiosity .This is absent from the narrator’s tone because he wants us to connect the dots and figure out Chillingworth’s real motives.
36.Filled with tapestries of David, Bathsheba, and Nathan the Prophet.Dimmesdale’s room constantly remind him of the sin of adultery he had committed with Hester Prynne and hence causes him to feel guilty and seek repentance.
36.Filled with tapestries of David, Bathsheba, and Nathan the Prophet.Dimmesdale’s room constantly remind him of the sin of adultery he had committed with Hester Prynne and hence causes him to feel guilty and seek repentance.
Chapter 10
40.Dimmesdale and Chillingworth have different viewpoints on the confession of sins.The cold Chillingworth strongly believes that confessions should be made in this world before meeting the Supreme Power.Where as on the other hand,Dimmesdale says that Earthly beings will jdgae them once they confess and hence there is no need.Only God shuld judge a man.Also because sometimes the sins are too heinious to be understood by the human brain.Their conflicting viewpoints create a tense scene,which ends up in Dimmesdale leaving the room because his guilt suffocated him.The whole point of Chillingworth having this conversation was to get the truth out of Dimmesdale’s mouth.
42.Taking advantage of the situation, Chillingworth searches Dimmesdale like an inspector and witnesses a mark on his cheat. Upon seeing the mark Chillingworth gives a devilish smile which reflects on the joy of his discovery because he just needed one proof to make his doubts turn into facts.And this was the one.The description of Chillingworth as a devil is relevant because this is the first time such an evil side to Chillingworth comes out crystal clear.
42.Taking advantage of the situation, Chillingworth searches Dimmesdale like an inspector and witnesses a mark on his cheat. Upon seeing the mark Chillingworth gives a devilish smile which reflects on the joy of his discovery because he just needed one proof to make his doubts turn into facts.And this was the one.The description of Chillingworth as a devil is relevant because this is the first time such an evil side to Chillingworth comes out crystal clear.
Chapter 11
44.Reverend Dimmesdale feels like a hypocrite.His people consider him a saintly figure if only they knew the reality.He preches people to live a sinless life and he himself committed the greatest of sin.Although he confesses his sin the people refuse to buy it and think its out of mere kindness that he does this.His saintly image infront of the people reflect on how much he was respected in the town.Hawthorne’s tone is extremely guilty and we can sense that very well through his words.
Chapter 12
46.Dimmesdale’s conscious keeps reminding of the sin he had committed and he realizes that he also should’ve been standing on the scafoold where Hester had stood.Hence he goes and stands at the scaffold.
49.Little Pearl asks Dimmesdale whether he will stand with her and Hester the next day on the same scaffold and he replies that no, not tomorrow but on the Day of Judgement.The scaffold scene is important because for the very first Hester,Dimmesdale and Pearl are together in a scene and the presence of Dimmesdale completes Hester and Pearl’s family.
50.A large meteor makes the letter “A” in the sky. Its bright and red. For Hester and Dimmesdale the letter A in the sky symbolizes adultery and is a reminder for them. The others who witness the letter take it for the ascending of an angel or soul to the Heaven
49.Little Pearl asks Dimmesdale whether he will stand with her and Hester the next day on the same scaffold and he replies that no, not tomorrow but on the Day of Judgement.The scaffold scene is important because for the very first Hester,Dimmesdale and Pearl are together in a scene and the presence of Dimmesdale completes Hester and Pearl’s family.
50.A large meteor makes the letter “A” in the sky. Its bright and red. For Hester and Dimmesdale the letter A in the sky symbolizes adultery and is a reminder for them. The others who witness the letter take it for the ascending of an angel or soul to the Heaven
Chapter 13
53. Hester’s benevolent nature gains her respect in the society. She helps the poor, elderly and whoever needs help. The townspeople don’t take the scarlet letter for adultress. For them it now stands for Able, meaning she’s able to do anything for anyone even after being despised by them. The saying ‘the letter had not done its office’ implies that scarlet letter did not do its job.
Or in other words Hester was not punished enough. The letter did not cause her enough shame as it was meant to.
54. The scarlet letter makes Hester very conscious of her actions. It reminds her of the sin she committed and as a result she tries to improve herself in everything she does. For instance she goes and helps people. It’s like she’s trying to lessen her guilt. However the letter has killed all womanly feelings that -arouse in her. She’s a strong willed woman, determined to utilize her thoughts.
Or in other words Hester was not punished enough. The letter did not cause her enough shame as it was meant to.
54. The scarlet letter makes Hester very conscious of her actions. It reminds her of the sin she committed and as a result she tries to improve herself in everything she does. For instance she goes and helps people. It’s like she’s trying to lessen her guilt. However the letter has killed all womanly feelings that -arouse in her. She’s a strong willed woman, determined to utilize her thoughts.
Chapter 14
56. During his conversation with Hester, the evil physician realizes that Dimmesdale might well be aware that there is evil that surrounds him. “Increased the debt” implies that Dimmesdale has increased his misery by trusting Chillingworth.
Chapter 15
59. In this statement Hester refers to her pearl and implicates that although Pearl is smart for her age, she is not mature enough to understand the reason behind the scarlet letter. In chapter 16 she says that Pearl needs to feel grief before she can actually feel sympathetic towards anyone.
Chapter 16
60. Hester’s very peculiar about Dimmesdale’s reputation and if she met him in the study it would arouse suspicion from the townspeople. This indicates that they are still in secrecy. and Hester doesn’t want the townspeople to doubt Dimmesdale and lose his reputation. Hence she prefers the woods instead of his study.
63. Pearl’s observant nature becomes trouble for Hester when she constantly questions Hester about the meaning of scarlet letter and as to why Dimmesdale covers up his heart.Hawthrone shows a growing mistrust between the mother and daughter because Hester knows that Pearl is too young to be exposed to such things.
63. Pearl’s observant nature becomes trouble for Hester when she constantly questions Hester about the meaning of scarlet letter and as to why Dimmesdale covers up his heart.Hawthrone shows a growing mistrust between the mother and daughter because Hester knows that Pearl is too young to be exposed to such things.
Chapter 17
66. Hester and Dimmesdale have opposite opinions on repentance and redemption. She says that as long as Dimmesdale’s asks people for their forgiveness and truly repents. Nothing will go wrong. As they all have known him for a while and how good of a pastor he is. On the other hand Dimmesdale feels like a hypocrite because all these years he taught people how to live a sinless puritan life and he’s the one who ends up committing the worst sins ever.
67. Seeing Dimmesdale’s deteriorating health, Hester realizes what a mistake she a committed from hiding the truth from him and strongly feels he should know that he’s being stabbed in the back. Dimmesdale is shocked and at some point feels dumb for not realizing because Chillingworth’s been in his house for a long while. He gets upset at Hester for keeping it from him but eventually ends up forgiving her.In think Hester did the right thing. If you lover’s being poisoned right in front of your eyes why wouldn’t you save him.
68. At last Hester and Dimmesdale take a decision to run away from this town and start a new life, in completely new surroundings, with new names. Hester’s firm stand against this decision and Dimmesdale’s yes reflects on how much they still love and desire to be with each other. I like how Hawthorne has made Hester the strong one, Dimmesdale on the other hand just wants to give and die. But Hester’s optimism and hope beings back Dimmesdale’s lost spirit.
67. Seeing Dimmesdale’s deteriorating health, Hester realizes what a mistake she a committed from hiding the truth from him and strongly feels he should know that he’s being stabbed in the back. Dimmesdale is shocked and at some point feels dumb for not realizing because Chillingworth’s been in his house for a long while. He gets upset at Hester for keeping it from him but eventually ends up forgiving her.In think Hester did the right thing. If you lover’s being poisoned right in front of your eyes why wouldn’t you save him.
68. At last Hester and Dimmesdale take a decision to run away from this town and start a new life, in completely new surroundings, with new names. Hester’s firm stand against this decision and Dimmesdale’s yes reflects on how much they still love and desire to be with each other. I like how Hawthorne has made Hester the strong one, Dimmesdale on the other hand just wants to give and die. But Hester’s optimism and hope beings back Dimmesdale’s lost spirit.
Chapter 18
69. The phrase ‘a moral wilderness’ refers to the conflicting viewpoints of Hester and Dimmesdale. As Dimmesdale seeks to confess and repent, he would probable face the consequences because that’s the Puritan way of life. Hester wants to move away from this place so that they can start a new life. Although both are firm Puritan believers their morals conflict because at one point Hester just can care anymore about what the society will say and she’s ready to go against all odds. And hence the two lovers are caught in “a moral wilderness”
70. The most dramatic scene of the book when Hester removes the scarlet letter. Hawthorne’s able to make vivid visions for his readers because of his description. The dark and dull forest is filled with light. The sun shine’s upon Hester and she looks beautiful as ever. Her black thick hair compliments her. She’s described nothing less than an angel. Pearl’s statement about sunshine refers to God’s light which shines upon pure souls. The scarlet letter was a sigh of Hester’s impurity and as she removed it the light of God shone upon her.
70. The most dramatic scene of the book when Hester removes the scarlet letter. Hawthorne’s able to make vivid visions for his readers because of his description. The dark and dull forest is filled with light. The sun shine’s upon Hester and she looks beautiful as ever. Her black thick hair compliments her. She’s described nothing less than an angel. Pearl’s statement about sunshine refers to God’s light which shines upon pure souls. The scarlet letter was a sigh of Hester’s impurity and as she removed it the light of God shone upon her.
Chapter 19
71. Hester and Dimmesdale are having a happy moment after the removal of the scarlet letter however one person who is not a part of their joy is their little Pearl. She’s upset and refuses to recognize her mother without the letter. She’s seen the letter on her chest from the day she was born. Pearl’s also sad because Dimmesdale will not walk back to the town holding her and Hester’s hand and upset over this she refuses his kiss.
Chapter 20
73. Dimmesdale walks out of the forest as a changed man. Along his way back home he comes in contact with four temptations. Firstly he hears the things Deacon wanted to say.Secondly, the rude behavior and mocking behavior towards an elderly lady. Thirdly he wants to commit adultery again and lastly he uses abusive language towards the children playing on the road, setting a bad example. These temptations make the reader wonder whether Dimmesdale has signed the Devil’s book.
74. Mistress Hibbins figures out that Dimmesdale doesn’t look his normal self and to takes advantage of the situation and asks him if he wants to sign the Devil’s book. The same offer was made to Hester when Pearl was being taken away. She believes that the two lovers were practicing sorcery in the woods. However Dimmesdale refuses and gives the same reason that he has to take care of his little Pearl.
74. Mistress Hibbins figures out that Dimmesdale doesn’t look his normal self and to takes advantage of the situation and asks him if he wants to sign the Devil’s book. The same offer was made to Hester when Pearl was being taken away. She believes that the two lovers were practicing sorcery in the woods. However Dimmesdale refuses and gives the same reason that he has to take care of his little Pearl.
Chapter 21
76. Even on this day Hester’s scarlet latter isolates her from everyone. She wears dull colors. Pearl on the other hand is happy frolicking around and wondering what makes the market place so crowded today. Pearl feels sorry for her mother because she wears no smile on her face and is clad in her depressing grey clothes. While the town is lost in celebrations. At this time, Hawthorne reveals that both mother and daughter want to start a new life with Dimmesdale far away from this town
78. Hester finds out that the ship Pearl, Dimmesdale and her were planning to go away on will have Roger Chillingworth on board as well. Trying to get away from the evil man, its not that going to be that easy and destiny is not in their favor .Chillingworth’s presence on the ship indicates that there is another twist coming.
78. Hester finds out that the ship Pearl, Dimmesdale and her were planning to go away on will have Roger Chillingworth on board as well. Trying to get away from the evil man, its not that going to be that easy and destiny is not in their favor .Chillingworth’s presence on the ship indicates that there is another twist coming.
Chapter 22
80. Even towards the end, Hawthorne shows us a new side to Dimmesdale. Instead of being in pain and agony he’s a completely normal and content being. This kills Hester because she feels guilty deep down. She’s never seen this absurd behavior from her lover. Dimmesdale’s constant changes in personality imply that something is quite not right and he isn’t sure of what he’s doing. This reflects on an impending tragedy.
Chapter 23
83. Hawthorne makes the scaffold an important symbol by making Dimmesdale confess on it after 7 long years.Although Chillingworth warns Dimmesdale,he refuses and confesses his sin by showing the letter A on his chest,The novel begins with Hester standing on the scaffold being condemned for her sin and ends with the reason of her sin dying on the scaffold in her arms.
85.As for Chillingworth he’s really upset that he didn’t get to take his revenge.Where as for Hester she’s sad that they didn’t have the chance to be with each other in this life however she is hopeful that they will reunite in Heaven although Dimmesdale highly doubted that before he departed. As for Little Pearl she kisses him adieu and is glad the townspeople found out who her father was.
86. “He said God made sure the agony burned his chest for his sins. Dimmesdale’s dying words reflect that although he had confessed his sins in front of the public he wasn’t sure whether God had forgiven him. Hester still seemed hopeful when she said that they would together in heaven upon which he says that it depends on God to decide whether they will be with each other again after the great sin they had committed.
85.As for Chillingworth he’s really upset that he didn’t get to take his revenge.Where as for Hester she’s sad that they didn’t have the chance to be with each other in this life however she is hopeful that they will reunite in Heaven although Dimmesdale highly doubted that before he departed. As for Little Pearl she kisses him adieu and is glad the townspeople found out who her father was.
86. “He said God made sure the agony burned his chest for his sins. Dimmesdale’s dying words reflect that although he had confessed his sins in front of the public he wasn’t sure whether God had forgiven him. Hester still seemed hopeful when she said that they would together in heaven upon which he says that it depends on God to decide whether they will be with each other again after the great sin they had committed.
Chapter 24
87.After the death of Dimmesdale,Hawthorne shows how life changes for everyone including the townspeople.Within a year Chillingworth departs leaving money and property behind for Pearl.Hester and Pearl move away.Their cottage remains locked until after a long period of time Hester returns still bearing the scarlet letter upon her chest.She resumes her charity work which had earned her respect in the society.Pearl is happily married and is settled in Europe.Later Hester dies,and is buried in King Chapel’s symmetry at a distance from Dimmesdale and they both share the letter A on their grave like they did on the their church the only difference being that it was visible for everyone this time.The townspeople conserve the cottage and scaffold which marks the tragic lovestory of Arthur Dimmesdale and Hester Prynne.