By John Glascock and Sam Zoller

 It has been seven years since Pearl was born. The way Hester has accepted the terms of her position in the community and the way she gives back to the poor has given her a new, more positive role. Although she is still a victim of criticism, many portray her scarlet letter “A”, which once stood for “Adultery”, now stands for “Able”. Hester’s charming appearance was no longer visible. Dimmesdale has become a nervous wreck and is no longer his old self. When Hester see’s the negative impact living with this sin is affecting Dimmesdale, she believes that keeping Chillingworth’s identity a secret is slowly killing Dimmesdale. Hester decides to speak to Chillingworth about it.

 Hester see’s Chillingworth by the peninsula and sends Pearl away. Chillingworth greets Hester with compliments, telling her that he has heard good things about her. He tells her that she may be able to remove her letter. Hester tells him that no one can remove it, that it will eventually fall off but only when it is time. While Hester is talking to him she can notice a change deep within Chillingworth. She can see that he has turned dark and evil. He has transformed into a devil. Hester tells Chillingworth that she regrets promising to keep his identity a secret and that it has given him the power to torture Dimmesdale and that he was better off dead. Chillingworth tells Hester that she can do what she wants with him.

 Identity is an important theme throughout these chapters. After seven years, the characters have all shown their true intentions. Hester now plays a more positive role in the community while still wearing the scarlet letter. Although some of the people still view her as a sinner, she makes a new and positive reputation for herself. Chillingworth’s inner evil starts to show.

 Hester- She has accepted the terms of her scarlet letter and spends most of her time giving back to the poor. She is seen as having good intensions, but not fully forgiven for her sin. Her physical charm is gone, and her hair is either gone or hidden by a cap.  Chillingworth- He has transformed into a devil and he is fully aware of it.  Pearl- Now seven years old. Still plays with her imaginary friends.

 Irony- The entire of meaning of the Scarlett letter has changed, in the fact that her “A” is losing its initial significance.  Irony- Dimmesdale’s sin directly effects him without anyone knowing.  Narrative Voice- Makes Chillingworth look evil, but still remain a victim  Symbolism- The scarlet letter changes in meaning, to some individuals.

1. Dimmesdale is becoming… a. Weaker b. Happy c. Stronger 2. Some people see the “A” as.. a. Able b. Annoying c. Angry 3. True or False? Pearl still plays with imaginary friends 4.True or False? Chillingworth is pearls father

5. Hester says the “A” will eventually a. Fall off b. Be confiscated c. Disappear 6. Chillingworth says Dimmesdale’s sin has.. a. Stayed the same b. Increased c. Decreased 7. Chillingworth has become.. a. Evil b. Nice c. Ugly 8. Hester’s hair is.. a. Long b. Tangled c. Covered by a hat

9. What is Chillingworth collecting when Hester comes up to him? a. Flowers b. Herbs c. Puppies 10. True or False? Chillingworth tells Hester not to tell of his identity.