Flashcards on Scarlet Letter Chapter Summaries Essay Example

Hester after her husband sent her to America.

The response given by the stranger is that Hester's husband must have been foolish to believe he could make a young wife happy. The stranger also inquires about the identity of the baby's father, to which Hester refuses to disclose. The punishment for Hester includes standing on the scaffold for three hours in front of the crowd and wearing the scarlet letter on her chest for the remainder of her life. Further on, the narrator introduces Governor Bellingham, Reverend Wilson, and Reverend Dimmesdale as town fathers.

The text discusses the character of Dimmesdale, a young minister known for his religious zeal. He is given the task of asking Hester to reveal the name of her child's father. However, Hester refuses and Dimmesdale does not push the matter further. Hester declares that her child will have a divine father rather than an earthly one. Reverend Wilson then delivers a sermon of condemnation, repeatedly mentioning the scarlet letter that the crowd believes they see glowing and burning on Hester. Hester endures the sermon calmly, quieting her child, Pearl, when she begins to cry. In the end, Hester is taken back to prison.

Chapter 4: The Interview In this chapter, Hester and her husband finally meet when he is summoned to the prison to provide medical assistance. Referred to as Chillingworth, he promises the jailer to help Hester become more submissive by offering her a cup of medicine. However, Hester is frightened by his gaze and believes he wants to poison her, so she refuses to consume it. Chillingworth reassures her that he wants her to stay alive

so he can seek revenge. He scolds himself for mistakenly thinking he could keep a beautiful wife like her content.

The man tries to convince the woman to disclose the name of her lover, assuring her that he will detect sympathetic signs that will lead him to the responsible individual. Once again, she refuses, but he makes her promise not to reveal his identity either. His sinister smile and enjoyment of her troubles cause her to blurt out her suspicion that he may be the "Black Man", the devil in disguise, who has come to condemn her soul. Chillingworth responds that his presence doesn't jeopardize the comfort of her soul, implying that he intends to search for her unidentified lover. He is driven by vengeance.

In Chapter 5 titled "Hester at Her Needle", Hester's prison term has ended. Despite having the freedom to leave Boston, she opts to stay. She relocates to a deserted house on the outskirts of the town, where she remains disconnected from everything and everyone, including the town officials, esteemed women, children, and strangers. As a fallen woman, she serves as a cautionary example for all.

Despite Hester Prynne's fashion choices defying the standards of the Puritan culture, her designs are sought after for burial shrouds, christening gowns, and officials' robes. Hester's artistic contribution plays a significant role in various significant life events, excluding marriage ceremonies. Hester's designs are considered inappropriate for brides to wear. Despite the success she has achieved, Hester constantly feels a sense of loneliness and isolation. The shame she carries drives her to seek companionship and sympathy, but she finds no solace. While she dedicates

some of her spare time to charitable endeavors, it proves to be more of a punishment than a source of comfort as those she assists often insult her.

In Chapter 6 of the story, Pearl Hester’s daughter is described in great detail. The narrator refers to Pearl as an “outcast” and describes her as an “imp of evil”, representing sin. Pearl herself acknowledges her difference by exclaiming, “I have no heavenly father!” Being her mother’s only friend, she also experiences the town’s unkindness. Feeling alone in the world, Pearl creates imaginary friends to keep her company. Additionally, she is captivated by her mother’s scarlet letter and constantly plays with it, causing distress for her mother.

Sometimes her mother questions whether Pearl truly is the demon child everyone believes her to be. In Chapter 7, titled "The Governor's Hall," Hester visits Governor Bellingham's mansion with two purposes: firstly, to deliver a pair of gloves she has crafted for him, and secondly, to ascertain the accuracy of the rumors surrounding the possible removal of Pearl from her custody. Both the townspeople and the governor himself suspect Pearl of being a demon-child, and thus argue that if she is one, she should be separated from Hester for her own well-being. On the other hand, if she is indeed a human child, they still contend that she should be removed from Hester's care and placed in a more suitable home.

While on their way to visit the governor, Hester and Pearl encounter a group of children who taunt them and throw mud. Pearl becomes angry and scares the children away. The governor's mansion is quite cramped and packed,

reflecting the style of English aristocracy. It features family pictures and armor that the governor wore during numerous battles against Native Americans. Fascinated by the armor, Pearl notices her mother's reflection in it. Hester feels humiliated when she sees the imposing scarlet letter dominating the picture. As Pearl begins to scream for a rose from the rose bush outside the window, her outburst is interrupted by a group of men who enter through the door.

In Chapter 8 of "The Elf-Child and the Minister", Bellingham, Dimmesdale, Wilson, and Chillingworth gather in a room and begin to taunt Pearl, referring to her as a demon-child. Upon seeing Hester present, they question why she should be allowed to keep her daughter. Hester responds by expressing her desire to teach Pearl a valuable lesson learned from her own shame. Despite their doubts, Hester pleads with Dimmesdale to speak up for her and Pearl. Dimmesdale asserts that God has sent Pearl as both a blessing and a curse.

Afterwards, Bellingham and Wilson come to an agreement to allow Hester and Pearl to remain together. Strangely, Pearl shows affection towards Dimmesdale by placing his hand on her cheek. Annoyed by Hester's apparent victory, Chillingworth attempts to persuade the men to resume the investigation into Hester's secret lover. However, they decline, believing that God will reveal the truth in due time. As Hester is about to leave, Mistress Hibbins, the governor's sister, invites her to attend a gathering of witches. Hester declares that she would have gone if it meant keeping Pearl with her. The narrator suggests that Pearl somehow protects Hester from Satan's temptations.

In Chapter 9, the character known

as the Leech, Roger Chillingworth, has kept his true identity hidden from everyone except Hester, who was bound by an oath of secrecy. Upon arriving in Boston, Chillingworth had hoped to find his wife radiating warmth and cheerfulness, but instead discovered her publicly embodying sin. Despite this, Chillingworth has taken on the role of the town doctor and has gained respect due to his knowledge of English science and Native American remedies, which he acquired during his time spent with them as a captive.

The town often refers to the doctor as a leech, a common nickname for physicians at the time. Concerned about Dimmesdale's growing medical problems, the town urges him to let the doctor live with him and provide full-time care. The goal is for Chillingworth to diagnose and cure Dimmesdale. Initially grateful for Chillingworth's assistance, the townspeople eventually become curious about his past. They notice a transformation in his face, suspecting that he may be evil or even the devil. Chapter 10: The Leech and His Patient

Chillingworth continuously attempts to discover the nature of Dimmesdale's illness. He endeavors to persuade Dimmesdale to open up about the details of his personal life, but Dimmesdale is skeptical of him and all other men, and therefore refuses to confide in him. Chillingworth dedicates much of his time to caring for Dimmesdale, and during his absence, he searches for roots and herbs to provide him with in hopes of alleviating his ailment. At one point, Dimmesdale inquires about an unusual plant, and Chillingworth recounts how he stumbled upon it growing near a grave, suggesting that it represents the buried individual's confessed sin.

They engage in

an uncomfortable discussion about confessions and concealing secrets before hearing a cry from outside. They witness Pearl and Hester walking through the graveyard. Chillingworth comments on how Hester openly displays her sin while Dimmesdale questions whether he will live or die. Chillingworth suggests that although Dimmesdale may not be gravely ill, a knowledgeable physician could still provide hope for a cure. However, Chillingworth confesses that he is uncertain about Dimmesdale's true condition. He then inquires about Dimmesdale's spiritual well-being, which agitates the minister causing him to leave the room. Later, Dimmesdale apologizes and they reconcile their friendship. In Chapter 11: The Interior of a Heart, Chillingworth continues to mentally torture Dimmesdale, keen on making his revenge as cruel as possible. The minister finds himself often observing the doctor due to his inexplicable emotions, causing him ongoing suffering. Despite his anguish, Dimmesdale's torment allows him to deliver powerful sermons on the subject of sin.

The character in the story deeply desires to confess his sins to everyone, but he is unable to do so. The feeling of guilt keeps him awake at night and causes him to have hallucinations. One of these hallucinations involves Pearl and Hester. Hester points to the scarlet letter on her chest and then to Dimmesdale's. Dimmesdale cannot find relief from his guilt and comes to the realization that "The whole universe is false... it shrinks to nothing in his grasp." He begins to inflict physical pain on himself with whips, deprives himself of food, and deliberately stays awake for long periods of time.

In Chapter 12: The Minister’s Vigil, Dimmesdale decides to stand on the scaffold, where Hester previously endured punishment

for her sin. Overwhelmed by guilt, he screams in agony and fears that the townspeople will awaken and discover his actions. Luckily, no one does. In this vulnerable state, he experiences peculiar thoughts and laughs to himself upon witnessing Reverend Wilson leaving Governor Winthrop’s deathbed. After narrowly avoiding being seen, Dimmesdale contemplates what would happen if the entire town witnessed him on the scaffold, the site designated for public humiliation.

Dimmesdale and Pearl share laughter, as the former was not aware of the latter's presence. Hester and Pearl were present at the deathbed of Winthrop because Hester was tasked with making his burial garment. Dimmesdale invites them to join him on the scaffold, and they accept his invitation. Pearl then inquires if Dimmesdale will stand with her and her mother the following day, to which he responds that it will happen at another time, specifically on the Great Judgment Day. Suddenly, a meteor streaks across the sky, catching the minister's attention and revealing a scarlet "A".

Meanwhile, Chillingworth, whom Pearl points out in the distance, approaches. Dimmesdale inquires Hester about his identity, but she is unable to reveal the truth. Pearl claims to know who Chillingworth is but only whispers nonsensically in Dimmesdale's ear. Confused, Dimmesdale asks if she is making fun of him, to which she responds that it is revenge for his failure to stand with them publicly. Chillingworth persuades Dimmesdale to come down from the scaffold, suggesting that he must have unknowingly sleepwalked up there. When Dimmesdale questions how Chillingworth found him, Chillingworth explains that he was also returning from Winthrop's deathbed. Eventually, Chillingworth and Dimmesdale return home.

The next day, Dimmesdale

delivers his most powerful sermon to date. Once the sermon has concluded, the church sexton presents Dimmesdale with a black glove he discovered on the scaffold the previous night. Recognizing it as Dimmesdale's, the sexton suspects that Satan might be involved in some mischief. The sexton also mentions the meteor in the shape of an "A," which the townspeople believe has no connection to Hester, but instead signifies "Angel," possibly referring to the passing of Winthrop. In Chapter 13, we gain another perspective on Hester after seven years have passed since Pearl's birth, as she has become more sociable.

She engages in charitable acts such as providing food for the impoverished, attending to the sick, and offering community support. Despite enduring ongoing disrespect, more individuals are beginning to perceive her as capable. Hester herself has undergone a transformation. She is no longer the kindhearted woman she once was; instead, she now embodies a stark and harsh persona. She frequently contemplates matters such as her daughter Pearl's peculiar nature and the potential harm in preserving Chillingworth's secret regarding Dimmesdale. In Chapter 14, titled "Hester and the Physician," Hester resolves to approach Chillingworth and request that he ceases tormenting the minister.

One day, while near the beach, Hester and Pearl come across Chillingworth gathering plants for his medicine. When Hester approaches him, he grins and informs her that he has heard positive news about her. The town fathers have discussed the possibility of allowing her to remove the scarlet letter. However, Hester sees through Chillingworth's deceitful friendliness and assures him that only divine fate can remove the letter. She believes that when the time is right, it

will fall from her chest. Hester then decides to reveal Chillingworth's true identity to the minister.

Chillingworth has acquired definite knowledge about Dimmesdale being Hester's lover and Hester is aware of Chillingworth's knowledge about this matter. In Chapter 15: Hester and Pearl, Hester acknowledges her hatred towards her husband, even though it is considered unacceptable. She admits that if she was once happy with him, it was only for a limited extent. Meanwhile, Pearl has been amusing herself in the tide pools at the shore, pretending to be a mermaid by adorning seaweed on her body in the shape of an "A". She mentions that the seaweed is "freshly green, instead of scarlet." Pearl hopes that her mother will inquire about the significance behind the letter on Hester's chest, leading Hester to inquire if Pearl understands the meaning of the emblem.

The author discusses the significance of the letter. Pearl believes that the letter is related to Dimmesdale's frequent hand-on-heart gesture, which unsettles Hester. However, Hester understands that Pearl is too young to fully comprehend the truth, yet Pearl continues to inquire about the letter and Dimmesdale for the following days. In Chapter 16, titled "A Forest Walk," Hester anticipates revealing Chillingworth's true identity to Dimmesdale. She waits for him in the forest as she had heard he would pass through on his way home. Pearl accompanies her mother and plays in the sunny area along their route. Strangely, the sunlight appears to avoid Hester.

While waiting, Pearl inquires Hester about the identity of the "Black Man". Upon spotting Dimmesdale, Pearl wonders if he is the aforementioned figure. Nevertheless, Hester remains silent and

urges Pearl to frolic in the woods, but she refuses. Hester then angrily exclaims that there is no "Black Man", it is in fact the minister. Subsequently, Pearl ventures into the woods to play. However, before departing, she openly ponders whether the minister's hand over his heart serves as a mark left by the "Black Man". In Chapter 17, titled "The Pastor and His Parishioner", Hester and Dimmesdale are finally able to converse privately as they clasp hands and find solace beside a brook.

Hester informs Dimmesdale that Chillingworth is her spouse, causing a sense of darkness within Dimmesdale as he starts to condemn Hester and hold her responsible for his suffering. Hester embraces Dimmesdale and presses his face against the scarlet letter, pleading for his forgiveness. Eventually, Dimmesdale pardons her and asserts that Chillingworth has purposely violated the sanctity of a person's heart. Dimmesdale inquires if Chillingworth will maintain their secret despite being aware of Chillingworth's own hidden truth, to which Hester assures that he will keep their secret but seek vengeance.

Hester advises Dimmesdale to no longer reside with Chillingworth, and Dimmesdale is unsure of where to go. As a solution, they decide to travel by ship to Europe, where they can peacefully live with their daughter Pearl. In Chapter 18: A Flood of Sunshine, both Dimmesdale and Hester's anticipation for their journey to Europe is heightened. Dimmesdale mentions feeling joy returning to his body. Hester removes the scarlet letter from her chest, restoring her former beauty. The forest suddenly brightens with sunlight. Hester converses with Dimmesdale and expresses excitement that their daughter will finally learn about her father.

Pearl is called over

and cautiously approaches her parents. In Chapter 19, titled "The child at the Brookside," Pearl appears nervous and insists that Hester puts on her scarlet letter before she would go near them. Finally, Pearl goes to Hester and kisses her, along with the scarlet letter. Hester attempts to get Pearl to embrace Dimmesdale as well, revealing that he is her father. However, aware of some arrangement, Pearl asks if they will all go back to town together. Upon learning that Dimmesdale will not go with them, Pearl takes back her kiss and runs back to the brook to try and rub it off. In Chapter 20, titled "The Minister in a Maze," Dimmesdale is returning to town and feels compelled to announce his transformation to everyone he encounters. He and Hester have decided to leave for England in four days on a ship where Hester has connections through her charity work. They chose England because it has a more favorable environment for Dimmesdale's delicate health. As Dimmesdale walks past the church, he suppresses his urge to yell profane comments.

Dimmesdale encounters mistress Hibbins, who offers to accompany him in the forest next time. The encounter prompts Dimmesdale to question whether he has made a pact with the devil, who may be mistress Hibbins' master. Upon returning home, Dimmesdale informs Chillingworth that he no longer requires his medical assistance. Although Chillingworth wonders if Dimmesdale is aware of his true identity, he refrains from asking, unwilling to jeopardize his position. Dimmesdale sits down to write his sermon for Election Day and, armed with his newfound realization, discards his old manuscript by setting it ablaze and begins anew.