Ch. 21

Who looks at Pearl and makes her uncomfortable?

Why are they celebrating?

What does the shipmaster tell Hester?

Why is Pearl confused about Dimmesdale?

Who, aside from the townspeople, attended the celebration?

Master Brackett – the old jailer

Celebrating the election of the new governor

That Chillingworth will be the on board physician on their journey

In private he has accepted them, but he won’t do it publically

The Native Americans and the crew of the ship
Ch.22

Why are Hester and Pearl upset when they see the procession walk by?

How did the people react to Hester in the marketplace?

Why was there a procession?

Why do you think Dimmesdale was full of energy?

What did Hibbins claim to know?

They wish to see the same Dimmesdale from the forest.

The townspeople and Indians were all curious about her letter.

It was Dimmesdale’s election sermon.

He was at peace and knew was going to confess because he was going
to die.

She knew Dimmesdale was the father and Hester went into the woods to
meet him.
Ch.23

How have Pearl’s feelings towards Dimmesdale changed? Why?

What is the reaction of the townspeople toward Dimmesdale’s revelation
and death?

What was Hester’s response when Dimmesdale asked her and Pearl to
ascend the scaffold?

How does Dimmesdale change before and after his admission?

What is Chillingworth’s reaction to Dimmesdale’s ascension to the
scaffold?
Answers

She is now loving and accepting toward him because he has recognized
them in public.

Awe and wonder, and respectful silence.

She is reluctant and hesitating, but she does whatever Dimmesdale
believes is best.

He is weak and needs support, but once he confesses, he becomes strong
again.

He tries to stop him because he knows what Dimmesdale is about to do,
but then accepts defeat once they ascend the scaffold, because that is
the one place he cannot touch them.
Conclusion

How does Hawthorne make a connection between hate and love?

Why did the officials refuse to acknowledge the letter on Dimmesdale’s
chest and the purpose behind his confession?

Why does Hester continue to wear her scarlet letter?

What evidence is there that Pearl is alive, married, and happy?

What role does Hester play in the community?
Answers

Each one requires a high degree of intimacy, each renders one person
dependent on another, and each leave the “passionate lover” or
“passionate hater,” miserable when the other person leaves.

They wanted to uphold his character, and were blinded by their biased
religious inclinations.

It became a symbol of the struggle she went through, for others to look
upon it in awe. It was also a constant reminder of her sin.

Hester is making baby clothes, she has letters from another land, and
expensive trinkets.

She acts as a counselor and advisor for women, on matters of passion and
sorrow.