Scarlet letter chapter 21 summary

The Scarlet Letter.

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Scarlet letter chapter 21 summary

Hester and Pearl go into the town and enter the marketplace, which is teeming with people. The holiday is to celebrate the election of a new Governor, and festivities are planned for one of the few non-Sundays when everyone stops working. A group of sailors is also in the town, planning to leave the next day. Hester and Dimmesdale have worked out a plan to escape on their ship. But Roger Chillingworth talks to the ship's captain, who then comes over to Hester. He tells her that he is adding Chillingworth to the crew for the voyage, since he can always use another physician. Hester barely reacts in her outward expression, but after the captain goes she sees Chillingworth smiling at her. Chillingworth prevents the lovers from absconding together, which may not be quite as good to him as if he had been able to mete his final revenge on the ship. But Chillingworth's victory serves a number of plot devices and thematic purposes. For one, it prevents Dimmesdale from getting away without public shame. If he could simply leave, he never would have to truly confront the full scope of his sin, not just the adultery, but also his hypocritical failure to take responsibility for an act he repeatedly condemned to his congregation. Chillingworth, then, is actually setting Dimmesdale free, for the reverend will finally now confess before his congregation and gain the redemption that comes with death. In preventing Hester from leaving alone with Dimmesdale, he is preserving the status quo for just a little longer, where he remains in control. It is clear that Chillingworth now despises Hester, despite any early idea of returning to her in marriage.

My Preferences My Reading List. The display of power is on the minds of the town fathers. What does the last sentence of the novel mean?

Provide details on what you need help with along with a budget and time limit. Studypool matches you to the best tutor to help you with your question. Our tutors are highly qualified and vetted. Your matched tutor provides personalized help according to your question details. Payment is made only after you have completed your 1-on-1 session and are satisfied with your session. Its purpose is celebration of the beginning of the administration of a new governor. Hester and Pearl are there, among many different kinds of people, including sailors and Native Americans as well as townspeople.

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Scarlet letter chapter 21 summary

Hester and Pearl go to the marketplace to watch the procession and celebration as elected officials assume their offices. Hester thinks about leaving Boston with Dimmesdale and having a life as a woman once again. While she meditates on her future, Pearl, agitated by the crowd and celebration, dances as she waits for the procession. She alone senses Hester's excitement; to other observers, Hester appears to watch the procession passively. Pearl continues to ask Hester precocious questions. She wants to know about the procession and asks whether the minister will acknowledge them as he did on the midnight scaffold.

Saptami is good or bad

Forgot your password? In this case, Mistress Hibbins claims she already knows the extent of Hester and Dimmesdale's crimes. Previous Chapter Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Billing Address. Create Your Account. Sometimes it can end up there. Already have an account? We learn from the narrator that Mistress Hibbins will one day be executed as punishment for witchcraft. In the forest, it seems, there is no need for confession, because people live with their actions and take responsibility for them, whereas in town, there are rules and therefore sins, with so much fear and shame attached to sin that people deny the sins in the hopes of preserving their appearances among others.

The Scarlet Letter. Plot Summary. Literary Devices.

He seems to be energetic and more fully alive. In these chapters, Hawthorne again brings together his main characters and, in these few pages, illustrates the major conflicts in the light of day and in a very public place. Read more about the symbolism of the scarlet letter. Log in Sign up Sparknotes. Poetic justice is occurring here: Chillingworth dies with nothing more to do, and perhaps he found redemption for his vengeance in bequeathing his property to Pearl. Symbols All Symbols. Plot Summary. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Mistress Hibbins is there, and she speaks to Hester. Plot Summary Plot. Introduction Intro. Dimmesdale then sinks down to his knees and asks Pearl to kiss him now. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Literature Poetry Lit Terms Shakescleare. Hester is very quiet and distracted by thoughts of her finally escaping her social isolation and dismal life.