Scarlet Letter
(Nathaniel Hawthorne)

Introduction

Hawthorne introduces the novel under the persona of a fictional author whose life mirrors that of Hawthorne’s own. The writer details how he was appointed as chief executive officer of Salem’s custom house (the federal tax collecting organization of the town). He describes how the town has become old, run down, and lifeless- something that he parallels with many of the co-workers whom repeat the same stories, are lazy, and inefficient.

The writer also reveals that he has a deep connection to the place, as he comes from a long line of Puritan sailors- a tradition that he has broken. He imagines himself an outcast to his ancestors as his desire to be a writer would be unseemly to them.

The author makes sketches of exceptional individuals who works with and has admiration for. The Collector for instance is an old soldier whom continues on with integrity and determination in spite of his physical debilitations. The Inspector is admired by the writer as well for his ability to both enjoy and remember a fabulous meal.

Drawing again from Hawthorne’s own life, the author describes that his time spent with various Transcendentalist leaders seemed impractical. He also notes again that his failed writing career meant so little when he entered world that cared about it, not one bit.

He notices that the half-built building he works in has reams of paper left over from the past. He finds an envelope belonging to John Pue- a customs surveyor himself, a hundred years ago. He finds in it some scarlet cloth in the shape of the letter ‘A’ and says that it burned him to touch it. He also finds in it the manuscript that holds the narrative of Hester Prynne- a woman who lived at the end of the 17th century whom Pue learned about through the oral history of local residents.

While the author sees that there is a tale to be told in the life Hester Prynne (even if one altered and imagine by him), he feels he cannot write as his work in the custom house has dulled his literary senses and abilities. It’s not until that he loses his position due to political reasons that he finds the passion for writing.

Chapter I: The Prison Door

This first chapter serves to set the scene of the next chapter’s events. Boston Puritans are gathered around the city’s prison entrance. The writer notes the irony in that despite the Puritans’ intentions that the colony was to be an idyllic one, they thought it pertinent to build a jail and graveyard.

The narrator notices a rosebush that remains standing to his day, noting that it may have bloomed when Anne Hutchinson- a woman placed on trial for espousing different religious beliefs- walked past and caused them to rise. It is the only visually unique aspect of the entire scene as it seems to offer some natural mercy to the prisoners who would walk by it.

Chapter II: The Market-Place

The narrator notes that there is a large crowd in front of the prison, and this would normally mean that some terrible thing was about to happen- usually an execution. But seeing as these were Puritans though, their harshness meant that this crowd could be gathering to see a slave, child, Quaker or Indian whipped. It might also be a witch about to be hanged. In any case, the author sees no difference in the facial expressions of the audience as their Puritan uniformity made each act of public discipline equally terrible to them.

He notes that the women in particular seemed interested in the goings-on and describes how the hearty women of Puritan belief and English blood were coarser than modern women. These same women begin to suggest that the magistrates were too merciful on her and that they should be the ones to have judged her, suggesting execution as an option.

Prynne exits the prison with her young baby held close to her and still looking as attractive as before she was thrown in there. While in prison, Hester has sewn a well-made gown on which the scarlet ‘A’ has been placed. Her punishment is public shaming, forced to stand on a platform next to a guillotine in front of the community for three hours.

As the eyes of the crowd are upon her, Hester’s mind starts to remember her past home in England and sees her parents’ faces. Then the face of a man, with one shoulder higher than the other, and the cities to whom she associated him with- a new life. for instance. The reality of where she is comes into focus for her though and is taken aback by all of it.

Chapter III: The Recognition

While looking into the crowd Hester recognizes a man with uneven shoulders. He motions for her to be quiet and then asks one of the townspeople what’s going on, claiming that he had been held hostage by Native Americans until recently. The townsperson explains that Hester has had an affair and was mercifully given public humiliation, and the scarlet letter over death as her husband- who sent her ahead to America from Amsterdam- hasn’t been heard from for two years and is presumed dead. The man with uneven shoulders remarks that such an old husband should’ve known better than to take on such a young wife.

Hester is then interrogated by her judges: Governor Bellingham and the reverends John Wilson and Arthur Dimmesdale. While the first two men want to know who the father of the child is, Dimmesdale see no need to force her to say anything. As she is part of Dimmesdale’s congregation, he is the one responsible for finding out the answers. She refuses to reveal the identity and then Wilson starts off on a sermon focusing on the red letter. Hester’s baby cries and they are both placed back in prison.

Chapter IV: The Interview

The man Hester recognized goes by the name Roger Chillingworth and is a doctor. He offers to treat both her and the baby and suggests that if left alone, he’ll be given the opportunity to make her easier to work with. He mixes up some medicines for her and the baby which Hester suspects to be poisons, but turn out not to be. It’s revealed that the man is actually Hester’s supposedly lost husband.

He admits it was naive of him- being much older and disfigured- that he could make the young Hester a happy woman. He recounts how it was knowledge he had sought his whole life at the cost of human connection and his marriage to her was a well-intentioned but badly executed attempt at a life he had passed over. Hester agrees and reminds him that she never even pretended to like him. He says that as they’ve both wronged each other, they’re even, but he does want revenge on Hester’s lover. He makes her swear to keep the secret of who he is.

Chillingworth’s face is so expressively excited at the idea of getting vengeance upon the baby’s father, that Hester is led to remark that she is afraid he may be Satan tricking her into some evil pact.

Chapter V: Hester At Her Needle

After being released, Hester decides to stay in just the outskirts of Boston. The narrator notes that perhaps it’s because she is motivated by the same sentiments as a ghost or because somewhere deep inside she still hopes that she and her lover will be joined one last time before death. On the surface though, she tells herself that she is staying so as to feel the full brunt of her punishment.

She takes up an old abandoned cottage next to the shore, outside of city limits. She makes a living for herself by sewing. Her needlework is considered quite excellent and is called upon for governor's wear, officer’s uniforms and baby clothes. She’s never asked to make clothes for weddings though, which shows how much contempt remains for Hester regarding her crime.

Hester’s own clothing is without any flair- a contrast to her daughter’s whimsical and bright wear. While Hester enjoys sewing, she stifles the joy she receives from it and makes sure to sew dull, unbeautiful clothing to the poor. She also gives all the excess money she earns, even if the people receiving look down on her for her affair. And not just the poor, but everyone looks down on her. Though not aware of Hester’s past, children know that she is a pariah and treat her as such. She is unable even to attend church as she sometimes becomes the central example of sermons.

While she sometimes feels relief in knowing that her lover looks upon the scarlet letter, she also feels that it provides a curse in that it seems that she can sense everybody else’s sin.

Chapter VI: Pearl

Pearl, Hester’s daughter, is named so as she cost her mother everything she had. The child is quite beautiful, but unruly, perhaps due to the fact that she was born outside of her society’s rules. While hester attempts to discipline with a softer approach than was common at the time, the child is unaffected. Pearl essentially does whatever she wants whenever she wants, and it affects Hester deeply to point where the latter has to convince herself sometimes that the former is even a human child.

While in town, the other children ostracized Pearl as they do her mother. Pearl is aware of the antagonism and reacts violently to it. This antisocialism is remedied at home by the fact that Pearl has a vivid imagination that lets her see commonplace things as characters in stories she tells herself. Often these characters are based around the village’s peoples, such as the elders and children.

The narrator recounts how it wasn’t her mother’s face, but the scarlet letter that Pearl first responded to as a baby and continues to hold a fascination for her still. Sometimes a conversation will happen between the two, where the mother will question the child’s origins. While the child is unaware, Hester sometimes feels as if Pearl has complete knowledge of the events that borne her.

As the girl’s father can’t be found, the Puritans in town assume that the girl is a demonic child, though not the only one in the village.

Chapter VII: The Governor's Hall

Under the guise of delivering some embroidered gloves she made, Hester goes to Governor Bellingham’s mansion with Pearl as she has heard talk around the town that they’re planning to take her away. The reasoning behind this is that if Pearl is of demonic origin, it’ll be terrific for Hester. If Pear is human, she deserves a morally superior home than to what Pearl can provide.

Along the way, some children intend to antagonize Hester and Pearl, but the latter manages to chase them away with screaming and running at them.

Upon reaching the mansion, the manservant- new to the country- lets Hester in despite the fact that the Governor is indisposed due to the impression the scarlet letter makes on him. The mansion itself is clearly designed in the English style and even holds an armor set custom-made for Bellingham. The image of Hester in the armor- pointed out by Pearl- is dominated by the scarlet letter. Hester distracts her by pointing out the garden, which makes Pearl throw a screaming tantrum as she desires a rose from it. Her cries are cut short as Governor Bellingham enters with company.

Chapter VII: The Elf-child and the Minister

The Governor is accompanied by reverends John Wilson and Dimmesdale, as well as Roger Chillingworth. The narrator notes that Chillingworth been taking care of the young Dimmesdale as he has been feeling sick- allegedly due to all the hard work he has been doing as a pastor.

The group tease Pearl for her bright, elaborate clothes in a playful manner. After noting that the mother is present, the Wilson decides that now would be an appropriate time to figure out if Pearl should stay with her mother. They ask Hester if she won’t give up Pearl, and she responds by saying that the mistakes she made will make her a loving parent.

Wilson then attempts to take inquiry of Pearl’s Biblical knowledge. Though Pearl has been taught well such things by Hester- who has remained a religious woman- she refuses to answer any questions and ends up flippantly answering one of them. Bellingham takes this to mean the child has been mistaught and should most assuredly be taken away.

Hester defies all of them, saying that Pearl is the scarlet letter incarnate, capable of being loved, and, therefore, both her only joy and a thorough punishment. She appeals to her old pastor, Dimmesdale, for help. She notices that Chillingworth’s expression has grown malicious.

Though it’s clear that Dimmesdale is clearly affected by the entire affair, he makes a solid stand for Hester, agreeing with her analysis of the situation. As Wilson agrees with Dimmesdale, Bellingham concedes to them under the conditions that her biblical knowledge be tested by Dimmesdale at some point and that she attends school when she is old enough to.

Uncharacteristically, Pearl shows tenderness by placing her cheek on Dimmesdale’s hand. He responds by placing a hesitant kiss on her forehead. Chillingworth wonders if it wouldn’t be worth trying to figure out who Pearl’s father is, but Wilson disagrees, saying it’s better left to providence.

As Hester leaves, Mistress Hibbins- Bellingham’s sister whom we are told would be executed some time later for witchcraft- asks her if she’ll join tonight in a Satanic ritual. Hester refuses as her daughter remains hers.

Chapter IX: The Leech

The narrator describes why Roger Chillingworth- having come out of the forest to see his wife on display as a criminal- chose not to come forward. In short: it was selfishness. As he would’ve had to share in Hester’s shame for something he took no part of, Chillingworth, chose to instead create a new identity and let his old one pass away.

As the much admired Dimmesdale was on death’s doorstep when Chillingworth arrived, and the only other medical options were a barber and an uncredited physician, the people thought well of his alchemical skills. While Dimmesdale is at first reluctant to receive aid- believing that God would choose the best course of action- he is eventually persuaded to do so. Chillingworth takes an interest in both the ailment and the young man himself, and they end up spending much time together- something they both enjoy as Dimmesdale likes seeing the world from a different perspective.

It comes to pass that Dimmesdale and Chillingworth start living together in an old widow’s house for the sake of the former’s health. The house is next to a graveyard and inside it are tapestries of the Biblical story of David and Bathsheba.

Rumors spring up about Chillingworth. A craftsman testifies that he saw him going under a different name in the company of an accused murderer. Others suggest that he spent his time as a Native American hostage learning their alleged secret rituals and enchantments. Some say that his alchemy is powered by diabolic fire, and it’s causing his face to gain a more malicious aspect- something the villagers have noted already. There are even some who rumor that he is the Devil in disguise, given permission by God to test Dimmesdale.

Chapter X: The Leech and His Patient

Chillingworth spends hours trying to divulge Dimmesdale of his secrets, coming in while the minister is sleeping. The latter has learned to not trust anyone though and refuses to reveal anything.

One day, both men are in the physician’s alchemical lab and the minister ask Chillingworth about a peculiar plant he is holding. The latter indicates that he plucked it from a grave- right above the dead man’s heart- and suggests that it may have been the man’s unconfessed sin attempting to be confessed, even in death. They then have a discourse about the confession of sins, with the doctor insisting that it should be done on Earth, while the minister suggests there may be circumstances that would justify keeping the sin a secret. They reach an impasse and the minister waves the argument away.

Before Chillingworth can continue the discussion, they both see Hester and Pearl passing through the graveyard underneath. Pearl is throwing flowers at the scarlet letter, lining it. Chillingworth remarks that the girl is unruly and wonders if she is demonic. Pearl notices them staring and throws a burr at Dimmesdale, then insists to her mother that they run away from ‘black man’ who has already caught the minister.

Chillingworth gives Dimmesdale a diagnosis the latter’s health. He claims that he is not aware of all the elements regarding the sickness and suggests that whatever troubles Dimmesdale’s soul should be spoken out loud. Dimmesdale becomes indignant and scared, claiming only God should his souls physician and runs out.

Dimmesdale eventually apologizes for his outburst and admits his gratitude for the man’s help. A few days later, Chillingsworth sneaks up on Dimmesdale who has fallen asleep in a chair and moves his clothes to see his chest. What he finds on Dimmesdale’s chest is left unknown to the reader, but causes immense joy to him.

Chapter XI: The Interior of a Heart

As has been made evident by descriptions of Dimmesdale before, that fact that he is Pearl’s father has been confirmed to Chillingworth. The doctor is able to now subtly torture the minister. The minister has negative feelings about the doctor, but as he can’t justify them in any way, he brushes them off.

In Dimmesdale’s professional life, he has gained the ability to deliver outstanding sermons. While other, smarter, older, and more educated preachers are in the area, all lack the man’s ability to preach. The narrator suggests that this is because other clergymen’s life of clean living has made them unable to relate to their parishioners in the same way that Dimmesdale can.

The praise he receives exponentially increases his guilt. While he fantasizes about going up in front of his parish and confessing his guilt, he can never actually do it. This leads to him physically hurting himself by whipping himself with a scourge, extended fasting, and long, sleepless vigils. During these vigils, he often imagines various people- parents, old friends, Hester and Pearl- passing by him and accusing him in various ways.

He one night that there may be one thing that would bring him peace and goes out to do it.

Chapter XII: The Minister’s Vigil

Dimmesdale decides that the best penance would be to stand on the scaffolding that Hester stood on years ago, and keep a vigil.

He climbs the structure and lets out a scream which no one seems bothered by except Governor Bellingham and his sister- both of whom peek their heads out at the sound. Father Wilson- having spent the evening at the deathbed of Governor Winthrop- walks by without noticing him. Dimmesdale imagines what it would be like for everyone to find him in the middle of the night like he is now. He laughs at the thought of it and is answered back with the laugh of Pearl.

As it turns out, both Hester was at the home of Winthrop herself as well, there to take the measurement for the deceased’s clothes. Dimmesdale asks them to step onto the platform with him, and they do. He feels invigorated by holding hands with them, and Pearl asks him if he will stand with them tomorrow at noon at the same place. He responds no, and when Pearl asks when he would, he responds that he will on Judgement Day.

A meteor then lights up the sky- to which Dimmesdale sees as a symbol to himself as he sees the letter ‘A’ in the sky. The light from the meteor reveals that Chillingworth is standing in front of the scaffold- his face contorted with his malice. The sight frightens Dimmesdale, and he demands to know who it was. Pearl pretends to give an answer, which only confuses Dimmesdale more. Chillingworth identifies himself and explains he was passing by on his return from taking care of Winthrop as he passed. He takes Dimmesdale home.

The next morning, the minister delivers what everyone agrees is his most excellent sermon. The church’s custodian then gives Dimmesdale his gloves, which he found last that morning on the scaffold. The former explains that the ‘A’ that lit up the sky last night was a sign that Winthrop had become an angel.

Chapter XIII: Another View of Hester

The narrator notes that it has been seven years since the birth of Pearl. Hester feels an obligation to Dimmesdale in a way that she doesn’t to any other person and feels it is her responsibility to help him get away from Chillingworth even though he doesn’t know that’s who he should be trying to get away from.

Hester volunteers her time and efforts to the less fortunate even though she doesn’t receive any gratitude and often scorn. As she hasn’t been contentious, the town has essentially quit shaming her, even though they still remember why they did. They even begin to admire her for her empathy.

Being separated from other people, Hester’s life turns from one of passion to thought. She begins to ask herself questions that- had she not been responsible for Pearl- may have lead her to be a sort of revolutionary. She questions the place of women in the world and considers how large of a change would be necessary for women to have an equal role in it. She wonders whether it would be best to kill Pearl as to spare her the life as a woman and face the consequences.

She knows she has to do something to get Chillingworth to stop torturing Dimmesdale and spots him one day by the river.

Chapter XIV: Hester and the Physician

Sending Pearl away to play by the water, Hester approaches Chillingworth. The doctor claims that there has been talk of letting Hester remove the scarlet letter, to which she believes is a problem that will solve itself. Asked to leave Dimmesdale alone, Chillingworth claims that he, in fact, has the helped the minister, as the man would’ve died long ago were it, not for his help.

Chillingworth claims that he was once a quiet, virtuous man who only wanted to study. Upon finding out about his wife’s infidelity though, he was a changed person. He doesn’t blame Hester for this- as she herself was wronged by marrying such an old man- so he ends up holding Dimmesdale responsible.

Hester again pleads for Dimmesdale’s life, asking Chillingworth to be human as he is the only one of the three with the power to pardon. The doctor claims that he doesn’t have such a right, saying instead that these are the roles they’re meant to play.

Chapter XV: Hester and Pearl

Walking away from Chillingworth, she recalls how they used to enjoy each other’s company the fireplace. She hates that she once thought herself happy with him and hates him for leading her to think so.

While having their conversation, Pearl has spent her time playing by the river. In the first time through the entire book, the narrator looks through the world from Pearls’ point of view. At one point, she throws rocks at some birds, but then fears she may have hurt one of them. She shows empathy as she considers the birds as wild as herself. She makes for herself an ‘A’ out of seaweed and wonders whether her mother will ask her what it means.

The narrator then moves back to Hester, who ask Pearl if she knows what the letter means and why she is meant to wear it. Pearl answers that it’s for the same reason the minister covers his heart, though she doesn’t know what the reason is. She earnestly asks her mother why this is and Hester sees the beginnings of maturity in the little girl.

Asked again, Hester lies about it. It’s something she feels guilty about as she has never lied about it before. Pearl continues to ask about it, but Hester continues to deflect the question.

Chapter XVI: A Dark Forest

Hester is still determined to tell Dimmesdale about Chillingworth’s true identity and tries to catch him on one of his walks in vain. She doesn’t feel safe telling him in his study, as Chillingworth continues to live with him. She hears that he is returning from an Indian convert camp and decides to catch him on his way back.

While Hester and Pearl go on their way to intercept him, Pearl notices that the sunshine seems to be escaping them. Pearl suggests that it’s because of the ‘A’ and runs ahead to test her hypothesis.

Hester decides that here will be a decent place to wait, but Pearl demands a story of the “Black Man” to pass the time. Apparently, while Hester was keeping watch by a sick person, an old maid assumed the little girl to be asleep and ended up talking about how the scarlet letter represented a deal with the devil. Hester playfully begins a story that confirms the rumor, and they enter the forest to sit down in an out-of-sight place.

Dimmesdale- who feels as if he could lay down and die any second- walks by and is spotted by Hester.

Chapter XVII: The Pastor and His Parishioner

Hester calls Dimmesdale into the woods where they can speak privately. They begin with small talk, but the pastor eventually asks Hester if she has found peace. She replies in the negative and they both. Dimmesdale reveals that he wished he had someone to torment him so that he wouldn’t have to keep his secret to himself, to which Hester reveals that Chillingworth was her husband and knows of the the affair.

Dimmesdale immediately gets angry at her, but as Hester pulls him to her chest- unable to stand the idea of him hating her- he forgives her and realizes that Chillingworth is the one that should be hated.

Worried about being exposed by Chillingworth, Hester attempts to convince Dimmesdale to leave New England to escape his machinations. He refuses as he feels he has been placed there by Providence. Hester then suggests that they escape back to Europe so they can all live together as a family.

Chapter XVIII: A Flood of Sunshine

Dimmesdale then grows ebullient at the idea of escaping together with her. The narrator describes how Hester’s expulsion from her community allowed her to mentally consider angles that most women never got the chance to. This is in contrast to Dimmesdale whose life and thought process have been hemmed in by the rules he is meant to represent and is made weaker because of them.

Having accepted the route of getting away, Dimmesdale feels the weight of guilt lift off him. Hester herself feels the same, causing her to throw the scarlet letter on the ground and taking her covering off her head so as to let her hair flow down. Sunlight- which earlier had avoided Hester- now fills the area where they stand, symbolizing the freedom they’ve reached.

Hester calls to Pearl, who has been playing in the field while animals act unafraid of her as the forest recognizes a kindred spirit in her. Pearl approaches warily as she sees Dimmesdale.

Chapter XIX: The Child at the Brookside

Dimmesdale discusses with Hester whether or not Pearl will love him, as he is not particularly adept with children. Hester assures him that she will and continues to call the little girl over. Pearl feels strange about the whole situation, as now Hester has invited into their life another person; a strange feeling, as the little girl has only known the life of a two-person family. Watching them from the other side of a brook, Dimmesdale observes how strange the girl is acting, recognizing that she is uncomfortable with the situation.

The child then points at her mother’s chest, wordlessly. Dimmesdale responds instinctively by clutching his own and then Pearl goes into a screaming fit, moving around wildly. Hester recognizes that it’s because she does not have the scarlet letter on. She begrudgingly puts it on, and Pearl then calms down and moves towards them.

She resists moving towards the pastor, and when he gives her a kiss upon her forehead, she runs to the brook to wash it off. She watches them talk from a distance as they plan out their next moves .

Chapter XX: The Minister In a Maze

A boat that came from Spain and is heading for England is currently docked and will provide for Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale passage back to Europe. It’s Europe they have to go to as Dimmesdale’s health and abilities are more apropos to civilization than to the small English settlements on America’s coast or its deep forests. The boat leaves in four days, and Dimmesdale finds it fitting as he has to deliver a key speech the day before that will allow him to announce his retirement.

Energized by his meeting with Hester, Dimmesdale begins to notice things. He feels less tired taking the paths that exhausted him just recently. He feels as if every building and landmark of the town was only ever seen by a dream or is currently being seen through a dream. He wants to announce this change to everyone he meets. Not only that, but it takes all his self control to stop himself from saying blasphemous things to the various peoples he sees along his way.

He runs into Mistress Hibbins, the woman hanged later for being a witch, and she notices the change in him. She offers to join him in the forest next time he goes, as her familiarity with its demonic denizens will offer him a warm welcome. Stuck by this statement, Dimmesdale feels as if he has made a deal with the devil for his happiness and recognizes the wild reactions he wanted to have with people are an expression of the evil desires he has let take hold on him.

Returning home, Dimmesdale is approached by Chillingworth, who now knows that the former is aware of him as an enemy. They both act is if they don’t know though and Dimmesdale refuses Chillingworth’s medical help. Once left alone, Dimmesdale throws away the election sermon he was writing and begins to write an entirely new one that takes him through the night.

Chapter XXI: New England Holiday

On the day of the election sermon, Hester joins with everyone else in the town square. Though she doesn’t seem different, an observant person would note that she had an air of triumphant defiance. Pearl is dressed in her colorful attire as always and is curious as to why all the people are gathered and not at work. She asks if the pastor will be there to greet them, but Hester tells her not to interact with him yet.

The narrator describes why the ceremony has to happen- to give the new government an air of importance- and what’s going on- sword competitions, wrestling, etc. The men from the ship that Hester plans to take fill the crowd as well, and amongst them is the captain, walking with Chillingworth. The captain approaches Hester, greets her, and tells her there will be one more person joining them. Though Hester keeps her composure throughout the conversation, the captain explains that Chillingworth will be joining them.

Chapter XXII: The Procession

As Hester considers what can be done about the situation, the procession that begins the ceremony starts. The narrator describes the military escort, magistrates and Dimmesdale. The crowd notices that the man has an energy about him that he has never displayed before. This new demeanor also makes Hester feel alienated, as it seems her and the pastor no longer have the same connection. Pearl notices this and becomes uneasy herself, asking if the man on the podium is even the same man who kissed her by the brook.

Mistress Hibbins then makes her way through the crowd to Hester. She states that she knows something is amiss with the pastor, and so does Hester, though the latter denies it. When Pearl asks her why Dimmesdale holds his hand over his heart, Hibbins tells her that she’ll find out someday and that she is always welcome to join her on a trip to see the Prince of Air.

While Hester goes to listen to Dimmesdale’s sermon, Pearl wanders around the marketplace. She impresses and gives joy to everyone she passes and meets the seamen whose ship Hester and Dimmesdale plan to make their escape on. The captain of the ship tells her to send a message to her mother: that the doctor will pay for the passage of Hester’s friend- Dimmesdale.

When Pearl delivers this information to her mother, Hester suddenly realizes that everyone is staring at her letter. As many have heard of it, but few have actually seen it, it became a focus of attention that drew in those who had only just recently heard about it.

Chapter XXIII: The Revelation of the Scarlet Letter

Dimmesdale’s sermon- that focused on the connection New England had with God- having ended, the crowd leaves and praises him and his words. After a few moments, the ceremonial procession that entered the church leaves again, but with all eyes on the pastor now. They all notice how weak he looks- strikingly different from how energetic he appeared only a few minutes ago on the podium.

The pastor then spots Hester and Pearl in the crowd and stops. He extends his hand and asks Pearl to come to him. She runs towards him and grabs him around the knee. Chillingworth- thrown into a panic as his plans are going awry- warns Dimmesdale not to do so for the sake of his dignity and profession, but the pastor pushes him away. He then asks for Hester support to walk up onto the scaffold.

Once on it, he announces to the baffled crowd that it should have been him that stood here years ago and open up his cloak to reveal his chest. Chillingworth is angered as the man has escaped whatever plans of revenge he had for him. Hester asks if they’ll spend their afterlife together and the pastor responds in the negative, and then dies.

Chapter XXIV: Conclusion

People from around the town speculate on what they saw on the minister’s chest. Some say he had a scarlet ‘A,’ and there are various theories as to what caused it; from self-inflicted torture, Chillingworth’s medicine and natural guilt. Others say that there wasn’t any mark at all and that the entire displays was an attempt to give one last lesson on the mutability of man’s sinfulness.

Chillingworth- having lost the pursuit of revenge- seems to lose his purpose of life and dies within a year of Dimmesdale. Surprisingly, his will leaves his entire fortune- which turns out to be quite a large amount- to Pearl. Both Hester and her daughter leave New England for a long while. The scaffold and Hester’s own cottage remain where they stood.

One day, Hester is seen returning to her cottage alone. While she doesn’t speak of Pearl, the narrator heavily implies that the young girl grew up and married a non-Englander. Hester continues the charity work she did before she left and becomes a source of advice for the women of the town. When she dies, she is buried next- but not too closely- to Dimmesdale. They share the same gravestone, which has on it the letter ‘A.’