Moses Hsieh
Chase Lau
Jackie Liu
Scarlet Letter: Chapter Titles Group 7
Questions
What is Hawthorne's intention in titling the chapters?
Foreshadowing
How does Hawthorne use chapter titles to develop his characters and themes?
Summary of Chapter Title Meanings
Ch 1 The Prison-Door
“a wooden edifice, the door of which was heavily timbered with oak, and studden with iron spikes”
(41)
“the Founders...had invariably recognized it among their earliest practical necessities to allot a
portion...as a cemetery, and...as the site of a prison” (41).
Concepts and Connections
 This is the first chapter of the novel and sets up the overall setting in a Puritan Society in
New England.
 It acts as the introduction to the novel and also tries to establish Hawthorne as a reliable
author with historical facts
 The title immediately projects a negative connotation of a Prison-Door and is ironic as this
society was meant to be an Utopia. It has a sinister and foreboding tone despite it being a
Puritan Society. Through this title, he introduces a whole social community’s beliefs and its
structure, while at the same time, satirizing its supposed purity and perfection
 HIghlights their hypocrisy and conformity while praising those who show individualism
 Introduces the society of the novel, an in-depth look on its beliefs and its flaws
 Also compares nature and civilization, individualism vs. conformity. Pathetic fallacy on those
condemned
Themes
 The inevitability of sin and death
 universal sin in humanity
Ch 2 The Market Place
“Befitted a people amongst whom religion and law were almost identical” (43)
“mocking infamy and ridicule...as the punishment of death itself” (43)
“a sort of scaffold, at the western extremity of the market-place (48).
Concepts and Connections
 The first chapter where specific characters are introduced: Hester and her child (Pearl)
 Focuses on the crime of Adultery and society’s reactions to it.
 A theocracy, so sin is equivalent to crime. Hester committed the crime of adultery and is
punished, though not by death as the people still show some form of mercy to her
 The introduction to the main conflict of sin, and most importantly, the Scarlet Letter

Again, Hawthorne emphasizes the hypocrisy of the people as they are sinners, just the same
as Hester.
 The market acts as the setting where Hester is punished by permanently wearing her Scarlet
Letter
 Also a very important place as this is where the first scaffold scene occurs, important
connection to the whole novel. One of Hawthorne’s most important settings
Themes:
 Privacy vs. Publicity
 Man’s hypocrisy
Ch 3 The Recognition
“He was small in stature, with a furrowed visage…[and] a remarkable intelligence” (52).
“The stranger had bent his eyes on Hester Prynne...however, his look became keen and penetrative.
A writhing horror twisted itself...controlled by an effort of his will” (53).
“he made a gesture with it in the air, and laid it on his lips” (53).
Concepts and Connections
 Another character is introduced, still unknown. However, this chapter does foreshadow future
conflict as there is a certain sense of foreboding and anger. There is a recognition between
characters but readers know that it is not something that Hester wants to happen
 Has a sense of mystery but attention is later diverted to Hester’s judgement
 Two Characters are introduced in the chapter, the most important one being a priest named
Dimmesdale
 Seems to show mercy and even awe towards Hester, though he is supposed to condemn her
 The Symbol of the Scarlet Letter is still prominent
 The mood of the public and the judges very clearly illustrates society’s views towards sin.
Begs the question, is the public willing to forgive?
 Introduction to the mystery of the baby’s father
Themes
 again the theme of Public disclosure and private life
Ch 4 The Interview
“he was lodged in the prison” (60).
“His fame, his position, his life, will be in my hands. Beware!” (65).
Concepts and Connections
 important chapter as it reveals the mysterious character from before as Chillingworth
 Very significant to Hester as he is her previous husband
 TItle is very important, as always, since it hints at answers that readers, and also
Chillingworth, want to discover
 Both Hester and Chillingworth recognize their mistakes. Hester‘s is the actual crime of
adultery, and Chillingworth’s is marrying himself to this beautiful youth. This interview is
basically the whole chapter.
 Again foreshadows the struggle. Also reveals the characters, especially Chillingworth. There
is a deeper side of him filled with anger and vengeance.
Theme
 Sin’s hold on a person
 Forgiveness as a healing tool
Ch 5 Hester at her Needle
“the Chain that bound her here was of iron links, and galling to her inmost soul, but never could be
broken” (67).
“on the outskirts of town” (68).
“she possessed an art that sufficed..of needlework” (68).
“The child’s attire..a fanciful...a fantastic ingenuity..with deeper meaning” (70).
Concept and Connections
 The title basically sums up Hester in the current society
 She is an outcast and shunned by the whole population, but yet she still stays. There are many
different theories as to why she does, but maybe it is because of the child’s father
 Used her art and skill to create a living
 Very significant as she uses her skills to create Pearl’s attire as a parallel to the Scarlet Letter
 The title emphasizes Hester’s station in society and also her isolation. Yet at the same time,
she feels this intuition of other people’s sins, as if the Scarlet Letter had magical properties
 Title elicits many different symbols, especially the letter and its color, and also creates a basis
where Hester is at the current part of the novel
 A deep analysis of the character of Hester; her thoughts and her views on society are very
important
Theme
 Self-forgiveness/acceptance
 sin’s lasting effects
Ch 6 Pearl
“a lovely and immortal flower” (75)
“there was trait of passion..which she never lost” (75)
“might be prolific of the storm and whirlwind” (76).
Concept and Connections
 Another very significant chapter, and as the title says, it is all about Pearl, Hester’s daughter
 Hawthorne uses the beginning chapters to introduce conflict, setting, and most importantly
his characters. Several chapters are dedicated in explaining and developing the characters.
 Connects to later on in the novel to show how they have grown and changed throughout the
novel
 Pearl described as a child of passion and nature, not of the civilized world
 living manifestation of Hester’s sin, she loves and also fears her at the same time
 Hester sees her as a elf-child and also commonly, an imp of the devil
 She has no real connection to the civilized world other than to her mother, and remains the
same until the very end
Themes
 Sin’s lasting effects
Ch 7 The Governor’s Hall
“...built in a fashion...of elder towns...there was frhenss and the cheerfulness... It indeed had a
cheerful aspect...fragments of broken glass...glittered and sparkled as if diamonds” (85)
“a suit of mail,...of the most modern” (87).
“rude and immature attempt at shrubbery” (88)
Concept and Connection
 a very interesting chapter, introduces a brief setting on the Governor’s home





very stylish and open building. Hester was going to this location to convince the Governor to
allow Hester to keep Pearl
Irony is presented as Puritans are taught to be humble and modest, yet the religious leaders
are seen with stylish clothes and stations
Hypocrisy is presented by Hawthorne as there seem to be exceptions to Puritan beliefs
Another very interesting aspect of the governor’s house was his suit of armor. Hawthorne
used this to again illustrate the impact of the Scarlet Letter
Hester was looking at its distinct shape, “the scarlet letter was represented in exaggerated and
gigantic proportions” almost covering her whole body (88). At this point of the novel, it still
emphasizes Hester’s shame and her unwashable sin. However, this aspect of the letter will
transform later on in the novel
Theme

Hypocrisy of mankind
Ch 8 The Elf-Child and the Minister
“what have we here...I have never seen the like...in old King James’ time” (91)
“the scarlet little figure before him” (91)
“but that perversity, which all children have more or less. of which little Pearl had tenfold
portion...took thorough possession of her” (93)
“the minister...then kissed her brow”(96)
 The first title to illustrate two characters interacting
 Yet Pearl is described as the Elf-child and Dimmesdale as the MInister
 no real name to be presented in the title
 Hester, in this chapter, is trying to persuade the officials to keep Pearl, and specifically asks
Dimmesdale to help her plead her case
 Surprisingly, Dimmesdale defends her passionately and succeeds in persuading the officials.
Very important chapter as Pearl willingly goes up to him even though she isn’t part of the
civilized world. She seemingly acts on intuition, as if there is some hidden connection
between her and Dimmesdale
 There is a motif of light and darkness as pearl is the only one being shown with light, while
Hester and Dimmesdale hide in darkness
 There is a foreshadowing of conflict as Chillingworth seems to sense a connection between
Pearl and Dimmesdale, signaling future clash between the characters
 Nature vs Civilization? Passion vs. Secrecy
Theme
 Natural intuition
 Hidden secrets
Ch 9 The Leech
“By those best acquainted with his habits, the paleness of the young minister’s cheek was accounted
for by his too earnest devotion to study, his scrupulous fulfilment of parochial duty, and, more than
all, by the fasts and vigils of which he made a frequent practice, in order to keep the grossness of this
earthly state from clogging and obscuring his spiritual lamp” (109).
 Though not explicitly stated, the use of the term Leech implies a relationship between a host
and a parasite.
 A leech was a common term for a physician back then, and the general hope was that
Chillingworth could be some sort of leech that could cure Dimmesdale.
Leech implies some medical benefit. But there is none. Instead, Dimmesdale’s health seems
to get worse. People only speculate as to why.
 Besides being the most medically adept man in town, Chillingworth is also considered a
leech because he attaches himself to the minister. He constantly reminds the minister of his
guilt, draining him of happiness that he longs for.
 Soon, the townspeople no longer see Chillingworth as a blessing but a test on Dimmesdale’s
worthiness. He has grown into an evil looking man.
Themes:
 Physiognomy
 the Effects of Sin/Guilt

Chapter 10 The Leech and His Patient
“He now dug into the poor clergyman’s heart, like a miner searching for gold” (117).
 The relationship between host and parasite have become clearer.
 The irony is the fact that the leech has no intention of trying to heal his patient. Rather, it
hopes to diagnose the problems and then torture the patient.
 Chillingworth and Dimmesdale have some sort of discussion related to confession of sin and
guilt. Through this, much of Dimmesdale’s heart is revealed to Chillingworth. Their
discussion brings about Dimmesdale’s thoughts. He has to consider his own sin and Hester as
he speaks, or else he may become a hypocrite or expose himself.
 The two reconcile after their uncomfortable argument. But soon, Chillingworth discovers a
mark on Dimmesdale’s chest, and he knows immediately of the minister’s sin. He then
proceeds to become the worst leech possible, sucking out life rather than guilt.
Themes:
 The Effect of Unconfessed Sin
o Unless confessed, sin will only harm someone. Evil will have a foothold in his life.
Chapter 11 The Interior of a Heart
“All that guilty sorrow, hidden from the world, whose great heart would have pitied and forgiven, to
be revealed to him, the Pitiless, to him, the Unforgiving” (127)!
 The title itself does not exactly describe setting or an important event. Rather, it characterizes
Dimmesdale and the nature of his weakening heart.
 The pastor suffers due to his sin. Chillingworth understands completely that there is no actual
physical part of the pastor’s body that necessarily needs healing. Rather, it is the heart of the
pastor that is causing all his pain.
 Overtime, the leech continues to drain the minister of his livelihood.
 The minister begins the process of self-flagellation, thinking that physically harming himself
will cleanse him of spiritual uncleanliness.
 The interior of a heart shows that this is indeed not possible. Only a confession of sin can
heal what only sin can hurt.
 He heads for the scaffold, figuring that his own public humiliation would save him. But
unlike Hester’s time up on the scaffold, his scaffold moment does not actually include other
people. This is why sin continues to remain in Dimmesdale.
Themes:
 Nighttime vs. Daytime (in terms of confessing sin, there is a significant difference)
 The Nature of Evil (Chillingworth does not give up until there is nothing left)
Chapter 12 The Minister’s Vigil
“There was no peril of discovery. The minister might stand there, if it so pleased him, until morning
should redden in the east” (134).
 The title describes a pivotal event in terms of the minister. He realizes that simply standing
on the scaffold will not help anybody, let alone himself.
 The vigil, a time set apart for some religious devotion, becomes somewhat ironic. Though the
minister intends to relinquish himself of his sin, he does so in the dark, where sin is most able
to happen. Also, he does not have the strength to actually confess in daylight, during a time
when it would actually matter.
 Nature knows this, and it attempts to bring to light the minister’s sin. However, it is not
enough, as no one is there to see him on the scaffold, save Pearl, Hester, and Chillingworth.
Themes:
 Nature vs. Society
o Present in the idea that nature can expose Dimmesdale’s sin.
Chapter 13 Another View of Hester
“Hester Prynne did not now occupy precisely the same position in which we beheld her during the
earlier periods of her ignominy” (145).
 The title implies that either the viewer’s perspective or Hester’s character has changed. In
reality, both have happened. Society general does not see Hester as a pest as much as a helper
now. Hester, also, is no longer as happy as she was before, as she has grown older while
taking care of a fatherless child.
 But good has also come out of this. Hester is also stronger. It can be seen that her position in
relation to Dimmesdale almost switches. While he used to be her counselor and advisor, she
now becomes his solace and source of energy and wisdom.
Themes:
 Societal role vs. Identity
o Puritans view Hester as a benefit to society. However, Hester still views herself as
below them, which is why she continually serves them without asking anything in
return.
Chapter 14 Hester and the Physician
“In a word, old Roger Chillingworth was a striking evidence of man’s faculty of transforming
himself into a devil” (153).
 Chillingworth is called a Physician in the title this time, but this is not just chance. This is to
show the different relationship Chillingworth has who he interacts with. And this allows for
the better characterization of the old man.
 The physician is a much more neutral description of Chillingworth, which in essence is how
he is towards Hester. Though the two do argue over responsibilities and evil, they do not
actually interact.
 But as a leech, Chillingworth is much more personally connected to Dimmesdale, as he
drains the minister of his life.
Themes:
 Fate will have the Last Word
 Identity
o One’s identity comes from how he or she relates to someone or some others.
Chapter 15 Hester and Pearl
“She took her mother’s hand in both her own, and gazed into her eyes with an earnestness that was
seldom seen in her wild and capricious character” (162).
 In this chapter, the title’s job is to identify the characters. But specifically, it puts them both
up for critical analysis to see if there is any change of traits in them.
 Pearl is seen to have a much more emotional side than she used to be. She is not just sporadic
and childlike anymore. Rather, she has a deeper understanding of her environment, though
she does not necessarily have a strict understanding.
 Hester is also bolder. She is in the middle of the road waiting for Dimmesdale to show up,
something she would not have dared to do in between her seven years of ostracization.
Themes:
 Nature has its own will
o This is to say that while everything Hester and Pearl do are somewhat neutral, nature
does not have neutral perspective.
Chapter 16 A Forest Walk
“But the brook, in the course of its little lifetime among the forest-trees, had gone through so solemn
an experience that it could not help talking about it, and seemed to have nothing else to say” (168).
 The title sets the stage for the scene. The forest walk is not focused too much on the walk
itself, but the characterization that comes out through the dialogue between Hester and Pearl.
 This is the area where Pearl is probably the most comfortable with nature and her mother.
This is where nature views her in the light, as if she were this pure figure that deserves
attention from all aspects of life. Also, she continues to question her mother’s actions and
behaviors. However, like before, she is dismissed and does not receive any complete answer.
 Pearl is frustrated, but not only is she angry, she also begins to experience other emotions.
However, anger is the most prevalent, as she feels it towards Hester and Dimmesdale.
Themes:
 Identity
o Here, Pearl begins to really question her own identity as well as her mother’s. She
recognizes the symbol on her mother’s chest, and she wants to know why it’s there.
However, she herself knows that the letter is somehow related to her own existence,
and she identifies herself in regards to that letter.
Ch 17: The Pastor and his Parishioner
“Think for me, hester Thou art strong. Resolve for me!” (162)
 Parishioner: noun. An inhabitant of a particular church parish, especially one who is a regular
churchgoer.
 the pronoun "his" seems to indicate the pastor is referring to Dimmesdale and the parishioner
is Hester, however, as the conservation develops there is a reversal of roles:
o Although he is the pastor, Dimmesdale is the one seeking for Hester's guidance. His
health and energy has been sapped by his conscience and Chillingworth.
o Hester supports the increasingly frail man with her courage and strength. She reveals
the truth regarding Chillingworth’s evil nature
Dimmesdale’s catharsis of suppressed emotions is vehement and somewhat manic
(no positive connotation) as conveyed by the use of enjambment and punctuation.
(See extract of Ch 17).
Hawthornes uses pathetic fallacy to foreshadow Dimmesdale’s death: “one solemn old tree
groaned dolefully to another, as if telling the sad story of the pair that sat beneath, or
constrained to forbode evil to come” (162).
Themes:
o Forgiveness is empowering, and revenge is malign: Dimmesdale forgives Hester for
enabling Chillingworth’s torture and states that Chillingworth’s sin is the blackest.
o Imprisonment of secrecy: Dimmesdale is on the verge of insanity as result of his
hidden sin
o
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
Ch 18: A Flood of Sunshine
"Such was the sympathy of Nature— that wild, heathen Nature of the forest, never subjugated by
human law, nor illumined by higher truth— with the bliss of these two spirits!" (168)
 Archetypes of Light and Dark: before Pearl was the only person who the sunlight shined on,
while Dimmesdale and Hester remained in the dark due to their sin. After Hester cast away
her scarlet letter, society’s label on her, she and Dimmesdale recognize their rekindled
natural love. The sudden flood of sunshine expresses Nature’s sympathy for the two lovers.
 Tragic Figure/Hero: false foreshadowing of a happy ending. The sunshine contrasts
dramatically with the darkness and the tension of the coming storm. The change in the
weather changes the mood and giving a false hope that Dimmesdale, Hester, and Pearl will
escape
 Theme:
o Nature’s forgiveness vs. Society’s hypocrisy and judgement
Ch 19: The Child at the Brook-side
"I have a strange fancy," observed the sensitive minister, "that this brook is the boundary between
two worlds, and that thou canst never meet thy Pearl again. Or is she an elfish spirit, who, as the
legends of our childhood taught us, is forbidden to cross a running stream?" (223)
 Ambiguous whether “The Child” is referring to Pearl or her reflection in the brook’s water
which was “so nearly identical with the living Pearl, it seemed to communicate… its own
shadowy and intangible quality to the child herself” (171).
o Pearl often expresses her mother’s emotions on her behalf, however, after
Dimmesdale enters the picture, Pearl feels like her place by her mother’s side has
been taken. When Hester casts away the letter, she denies her past shame and Pearl as
well. Pearl’s only connect to human emotion is severed.
o The brook separates Dimmesdale and Hester in their human love from Pearl, who is
estranged. When Pearl throws a tantrum and become hysterical she seems more
impish and strange than ever. The brook reflects her gestures and expressions, lends
her an even more fantastical image, emphasizing her bond is deeper with nature
rather mankind.
 Theme: Nature’s sympathy towards Pearl
Ch 20: The Minister in a Maze
"Am I mad? or am I given over utterly to the fiend? Did I make a contract with him in the forest, and
sign it with my blood? And does he now summon me to its fulfilment, by suggesting the performance
of every wickedness which his most foul imagination can conceive?" (181).
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


The minister, Dimmesdale, is trapped in a figurative maze
After returning from the forest, the devil’s stronghold, his sense of integrity is warped and he
is constantly tempted to sin. Thus, he is spiritually lost.
While he experiences a renewal of energy, he still lacks the courage to expose his sin and
instead tries to escape his situation by running away. This proves to be a dead-end in the
maze when Chillingworth decides to follow them on their ship.
Theme: Private vs. Public faces
Ch 21: The New England Holiday
"The picture of human life in the market-place, though its general tint was the sad gray, brown, or
black of the English emigrants, was yet enlivened by some diversity of hue." (190)
 The “holiday” mentioned in the title is satire and ironic because the Puritan community is
quite somber as indicated by their clothing and the reoccuring grey imagery throughout the
chapter. The “diversity of hue” refers to the natives and people who come from outside the
village. Pearl is also an exception.
 sets the background for the last scaffold scene
 Theme: Conformity in the Puritan community
Ch 22: The Procession
“His was the profession at that era in which intellectual ability displayed itself far more than in
political life; for— leaving a higher motive out of the question it offered inducements powerful
enough in the almost worshipping respect of the community, to win the most aspiring ambition into
its service. Even political power— as in the case of Increase Mather.” (255)
 The procession represents the town’s hierarchy, with the ministers more revered and
powerful than politicians.
 This highlights, the townspeople’s admiration of religious leaders and especially Dimmesdale
 when Dimmesdale arrives in the procession, and Hester finds it hard to imagine that the man
who promised her they would elope. she feels emotionally disconnected from him
 Themes:
o Public vs. Private life
o Misplaced moral and values
Ch 23: The Revelation of the Scarlet Letter
With a convulsive motion, he tore away the ministerial band from before his breast. It was revealed!
But it were irreverent to describe that revelation. For an instant, the gaze of the horror- stricken
multitude was concentrated on the ghastly miracle;" (272)
 Dimmesdale finally gathers the courage to face the people’s judgment and confessed his sin.
 He and Hester share the same letter which remains symbolic of their character’s essence
 Here, the scarlet letter is not a symbol of shame or adultery, rather, it is the symbol of
exposed sin and truth, and redemption through good works
 Themes: Secrecy and sin leads to self-imprisonment. In this chapter, he breaks from
restrictions and the public opinion of him
Ch 24: Conclusion
 Hawthorne uses this chapter to wrap up and inform the reader of the surviving characters
 emphasis on hester
 she had gravestone which she shares with Dimmesdale, which emphasizes their shared sin
and scarlet letter?
Setting:
1. The Prison-Door
2. The Marketplace
7. The Governor's Hall
16. A Forest Walk
19. The Child at the Brook-side
Characters
5. Hester at her Needle
6. Pearl
8. The Elf-child and the Minister
9. The Leech
10. The Leech and His Patient
11. The Interior of a Heart
13. Another View of Hester
14. Hester and the Physician
15. Hester and Pearl
17. The Pastor and his Parishioner
19. The Child at the Brook-side
20. The Minister in the Maze
Important Events
3. The Recognition
4. The Interview
12. The Minister’s Vigil
18. A Flood of Sunshine
21. The New England Holiday
22. The Procession
23. The Revelation of the Scarlet Letter