Part V: Chapters 19-21
Pearl is hesitant to cross the brook, which acts as a barrier between the natural world and that of the Puritan Society. After throwing a huge fit, Pearl obliges Hester and comes to her side. She only does this, however, after Hester re-attaches the scarlet letter to her bosom. Dimmesdale gives Pearl a kiss on the cheek out of love, but she quickly washes it off, staying as far away from the minister as she can. Dimmesdale leaves the forest as a different person. As Dimmesdale meets up with members of his congregation, he is tempted to do evil deeds. He must restrain himself from speaking blasphemy to a deacon, making a sacrilegious argument against the oldest women in his congregation, giving an evil eye to a sweet virgin, and teaching bad words to young children of the community. Mrs. Hibbins invites Dimmesdale to join her in the forest, but he acts cold to the witch woman. Dimmesdale refuses the medicine that Chillingworth has prescribed and begins to write a new Election Sermon. When Hester and Pearl arrive at the market place to listen to Dimmesdale’s Election Sermon, Pearl, once again, asks if the minister will join them. Hushing her daughter, Hester learns from the Captain of the ship she is about to board that Roger Chillingworth will be accompanying them on the voyage to England.
Pearl is hesitant to cross the brook, which acts as a barrier between the natural world and that of the Puritan Society. After throwing a huge fit, Pearl obliges Hester and comes to her side. She only does this, however, after Hester re-attaches the scarlet letter to her bosom. Dimmesdale gives Pearl a kiss on the cheek out of love, but she quickly washes it off, staying as far away from the minister as she can. Dimmesdale leaves the forest as a different person. As Dimmesdale meets up with members of his congregation, he is tempted to do evil deeds. He must restrain himself from speaking blasphemy to a deacon, making a sacrilegious argument against the oldest women in his congregation, giving an evil eye to a sweet virgin, and teaching bad words to young children of the community. Mrs. Hibbins invites Dimmesdale to join her in the forest, but he acts cold to the witch woman. Dimmesdale refuses the medicine that Chillingworth has prescribed and begins to write a new Election Sermon. When Hester and Pearl arrive at the market place to listen to Dimmesdale’s Election Sermon, Pearl, once again, asks if the minister will join them. Hushing her daughter, Hester learns from the Captain of the ship she is about to board that Roger Chillingworth will be accompanying them on the voyage to England.
posted by Alexandra W. | 8:47 PM
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Plot Jumblers
1. What is the importance of the brook?
2. What changes occur when Hester puts the letter back on?
3. What happens to Dimmesdale as he leaves the woods?
4. What is Pearl’s reaction to her father in the woods and then in the town square?
5. What does Hester learn about Chillingworth?
Part V Discussion Questions:
1. Why does Pearl force Hester to put on the letter and put up her hair before she will come over the brook?
2. Why does Pearl stay away from Dimmesdale and wash off the kiss he gives her?
3. Why is Dimmesdale so full of evil as he leaves the forest? What does Mistress Hibbins say to him and why is it important?
4. Why does Dimmesdale throw his sermon in the fire and write a new one?
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