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 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?