Chapters 17-18

1. Chapters 17-18 Sydney Betcher and Katherine Ramirez

2. Summary Chapter 17 Hester and Dimmesdale are both able to escape to the forest so that they are able to be alone. Dimmesdale confides in Hester of how disappointed he is in himself and that he is not able to tell the town of what he has done based on the fact he is the minister. While talking Hester finally brings herself to tell Dimmesdale of Chillingsworth’s true identity. Dimmesdale is in complete shock and is very upset with the news. He starts blaming Hester for all his suffering. Hester cannot handle the harsh things Dimmesdale is telling her, so she grabs him and puts him to her chest against the “A”. Dimmesdale realizes it is wrong to be mad at Hester for the situation and comes to the conclusion that Chillingsworth is a much worse sinner than either one of them. Dimmesdale then becomes worried that Chillingsworth may reveal their secret. Hester convinces him that Chillingsworth will not do that, he takes much more enjoyment in getting his own revenge. Dimmesdale and Hester then begin a plot to steal away to Europe so that they can live happily together along with Pearl.

3. Summary Chapter 18 Hester and Dimmesdale both become enthralled with the idea of moving to Europe and starting over. Dimmesdale realizes that he would be free from his sin. Hester becomes so excited she takes the “A” from her chest and throws it to the ground. Hester becomes youthful and passionate again and gains back her womanhood. Sunlight brightens the normally dark forest. Hester is infatuated with the idea that Dimmesdale can now know his daughter and develop a relationship after so many years. Hester calls to Pearl through the forest to tell her the news. Pearl approaches hesitantly.

4. Vocabulary • Sombre- gloomy, dark, shadowy • Epochs- The beginning of a particular period of time • Brooding- subdued lighting to portray a threatening atmosphere • Penitence- regret of sin or wrongdoing • Vehemently- strongly emotional, passionate • Misanthropy- hatred, dislike

5. Themes • Conforming to Society- When Dimmesdale and Hester decide they are going to run away to Europe, they are doing exactly what the townspeople want. The sin that has constantly threatened to take over finally has. • Nature of Evil-The “Black Man” is present several times in the book as different people because there truly is evil in all of us.

6. Puritan Ideas Puritan’s established The Massachusetts Bay Colony. They believed God was all powerful and completely sovereign and God chooses “The elect” a certain group of people for salvation. Salvation did not depend on outward behavior, but spirituality. Not only did individual spirituality matter but also the welfare of the community as a whole. The integrity of the community demanded religious conformity. They believed in limited atonement, the idea Jesus died for the chosen only, not everyone. The perseverance of “Saints” was that those “elected” by God had full power to interpret the will of God, if anyone was to object then it would be as if they were going against God himself.

7. Character Analysis • Hester- After Hester removes the “A”, it’s as if she is a completely different person. She is happy again, suddenly acting more youthful. Letting her hair down and smiling, it’s as if her womanhood has returned. This is a Hester we haven’t seen yet. There is a chance she was like this before she was branded with the “A”. • Dimmesdale- Dimmesdale is constantly worried about people finding out about his sin. After the idea of returning back to Europe, Dimmesdale suddenly becomes hopeful.

8. Irony and Narrative Voice Irony- Hester was punished for her crime of adultery and forced to wear an “A” for seven years. Dimmesdale on the other hand was able to keep his sin a secret. Dimmesdale is constantly worried, always clenching his chest, and Hester is very carefree about everything. Narrative Voice- The Narrative voice always seems to show sympathy for Hester, something she doesn’t get very often. The narrative voice also shows some hesitation on Pearl’s part of the new situation coming up.

9. Symbolism • Sunlight Brightening the Forest- Sense of a new beginning, hopeful • Dead Leaves- The letter “A” is thrown into a pile of dead leaves this is showing the end to the “A”

10. Quiz • What is Hester’s and Dimmesdale’s new plan? • What happened to Hester when she took of the “A”? • What was Dimmesdale’s reaction to finding out Chillingsworth’s true identity? • What did Hester do to comfort Dimmesdale? • True/False: Pearl was really excited to be with Dimmesdale.

11. Activity While enjoying a delicious chocolate chip cookie, write a diary entry as if you were Dimmesdale or Hester. (Pick one) Reflect on all the new changes and the new plan. Be ready to share with the class!