Chapters 17 &18
Grace Holland
Caitlyn Terebbesy
Chapter 17 Summary
During this chapter Hester and Dimmesdale escape to
the forest to be alone away from Chillingworth and the
public’s harsh, judgmental eyes. During this time
Hester tells Dimmesdale of her predicament involving
Chillingworth and their marriage. After Hester’s
confession Dimmesdale blames his pain and suffering
on Hester. As she proceeds to apologize, Dimmesadle
forgives her and begins to understand more of the large
sin committed by Chillingworth. After long
consideration the couple plans to escape on a ship
headed to Europe where they can begin a new life as a
family with Pearl.
Chapter 18 Summary
During this chapter the happiness of escaping and becoming a
family reaches Hester and Dimmesdale. Dimmesdale proclaims that
he once again can feel joy. Hester also begins to radiate beauty as
the sun once again shines upon her. She removes her scarlet
letter and throws it aside. She also lets her hair down and smiles a
beautiful smile. She tells Dimmesdale of her excitement for Pearl
and her new possibility of having a relationship with her dad.
When Pearl is summoned by her mother the reaction Hester
receives is rather shocking, as a weary and unexcited Pearl
approaches.
Themes of this chapter
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Pearls unenthusiastic reaction to her mother signifies that there is
something wrong with Hester and Dimmesdale’s plan. One could
view the couple’s planned escape to Europe as a defeat—they have
succumbed to the society that polices them and to the “sin” that has
constantly threatened to overtake them.
Dimmesdale reaction of joy to the planned escape makes it unclear
whether him and Hester have made the right decision or are
entering into further sin.
When Hester and Dimmesdale meet in the forest the audience is
finally able to see the couple in a romantic aspect. When the couple
finally admits their relationship to have been consecration this
suggests that they view their “sin” less harshly than others of the
community.
Symbols and Relevance
Hester casting aside her scarlet letter signifies her attitude of freedom and her
willingness to see herself in a new light away from sin, despair, and shame.
When the sun shines upon Hester it signifies new life
and opportunity because the sun use to be “scared of
her scarlet letter”
The romantic scene of Hester and Dimmesdale shows the
audience a different perspective on social order and the
punishment Hester received. This signifies the corrupt and harsh
way society would have viewed the relationship if they would
have been aware of it.
Character Development
• During these chapters Dimmesdale is made more aware of
the evil spirit of Chillingworth and the many sins he has
committed.
• The audience is introduced to the romantic natures between
Dimmesdale and Hester
• Dimmesdale is began to be seen as more brave a character
than ever before due to his fearless plans to finally be a
father to Pearl.
• Hester is developed into a women in love rather than the
epitome of sin and disgrace
Literary Devices
• The author uses a sense of foreshadowing when
Pearl is hesitant to the changes presented to
her. When she doesn’t respond positively to her
mother’s new appearance it allows a certain
sense into the future failure of the plans of
Hester and Dimmesdale.
• It seems to be ironic that Dimmesdale finally
comes to terms with his sin at the height of his
sickness
Quiz
• Where did Hester and Dimmesdale escape to?
• Where did Hester and Dimmesdale plan to start
their new life?
• What did Dimmesdale say he felt again for the
first time?
• What did Hester cast aside?
• How did Pearl react to the changes presented?