CHAPTERS 17-18
Sydney Betcher and Katherine Ramirez
Summary Chapter 17
Hester and Dimmesdale are both able to escape to the forest so that they
are able to be alone. Dimmesdale confides in Hester of how disappointed he is in
himself and that he is not able to tell the town of what he has done based on the
fact he is the minister. While talking Hester finally brings herself to tell Dimmesdale
of Chillingsworth’s true identity. Dimmesdale is in complete shock and is very upset
with the news. He starts blaming Hester for all his suffering. Hester cannot handle
the harsh things Dimmesdale is telling her, so she grabs him and puts him to her chest
against the “A”. Dimmesdale realizes it is wrong to be mad at Hester for the
situation and comes to the conclusion that Chillingsworth is a much worse sinner than
either one of them. Dimmesdale then becomes worried that Chillingsworth may
reveal their secret. Hester convinces him that Chillingsworth will not do that, he takes
much more enjoyment in getting his own revenge. Dimmesdale and Hester then
begin a plot to steal away to Europe so that they can live happily together along
with Pearl.
Summary Chapter 18
Hester and Dimmesdale both become enthralled with the
idea of moving to Europe and starting over. Dimmesdale
realizes that he would be free from his sin. Hester becomes so
excited she takes the “A” from her chest and throws it to the
ground. Hester becomes youthful and passionate again and
gains back her womanhood. Sunlight brightens the normally
dark forest. Hester is infatuated with the idea that Dimmesdale
can now know his daughter and develop a relationship after so
many years. Hester calls to Pearl through the forest to tell her
the news. Pearl approaches hesitantly.
Vocabulary
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Sombre- gloomy, dark, shadowy
Epochs- The beginning of a particular period of time
Brooding- subdued lighting to portray a threatening
atmosphere
Penitence- regret of sin or wrongdoing
Vehemently- strongly emotional, passionate
Misanthropy- hatred, dislike
Themes
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Conforming to Society- When Dimmesdale and Hester
decide they are going to run away to Europe, they
are doing exactly what the townspeople want. The sin
that has constantly threatened to take over finally
has.
Nature of Evil-The “Black Man” is present several
times in the book as different people because there
truly is evil in all of us.
Puritan Ideas
Puritan’s established The Massachusetts Bay Colony. They
believed God was all powerful and completely sovereign and
God chooses “The elect” a certain group of people for
salvation. Salvation did not depend on outward behavior, but
spirituality. Not only did individual spirituality matter but also
the welfare of the community as a whole. The integrity of the
community demanded religious conformity. They believed in
limited atonement, the idea Jesus died for the chosen only, not
everyone. The perseverance of “Saints” was that those
“elected” by God had full power to interpret the will of God,
if anyone was to object then it would be as if they were going
against God himself.
Character Analysis
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Hester- After Hester removes the “A”, it’s as if she is a
completely different person. She is happy again, suddenly
acting more youthful. Letting her hair down and smiling, it’s as
if her womanhood has returned. This is a Hester we haven’t
seen yet. There is a chance she was like this before she was
branded with the “A”.
Dimmesdale- Dimmesdale is constantly worried about people
finding out about his sin. After the idea of returning back to
Europe, Dimmesdale suddenly becomes hopeful.
Irony and Narrative Voice
Irony- Hester was punished for her crime of adultery and
forced to wear an “A” for seven years. Dimmesdale on the
other hand was able to keep his sin a secret. Dimmesdale is
constantly worried, always clenching his chest, and Hester is
very carefree about everything.
Narrative Voice- The Narrative voice always seems to show
sympathy for Hester, something she doesn’t get very often. The
narrative voice also shows some hesitation on Pearl’s part of
the new situation coming up.
Symbolism
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Sunlight Brightening the Forest- Sense of a new
beginning, hopeful
Dead Leaves- The letter “A” is thrown into a pile of
dead leaves this is showing the end to the “A”
Quiz
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What is Hester’s and Dimmesdale’s new plan?
What happened to Hester when she took of the
“A”?
What was Dimmesdale’s reaction to finding out
Chillingsworth’s true identity?
What did Hester do to comfort Dimmesdale?
True/False: Pearl was really excited to be with
Dimmesdale.
Activity
While enjoying a delicious chocolate chip
cookie, write a diary entry as if you were
Dimmesdale or Hester. (Pick one) Reflect on all the
new changes and the new plan. Be ready to share
with the class!