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The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter. CHAPTER NOTES 14-17 ADAPTED FROM: Guelcher , William: THE SCARLET LETTER: STRATEGIES IN TEACHING: Idea Works Inc., Eagan Minnesota, 1989. Van Kirk, Susan: HAWTHORNE’S THE SCARLET LETTER : CliffszNotes . IDG Books Worldwide Inc., Forest City, California., 2000.

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The Scarlet Letter

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  1. The Scarlet Letter CHAPTER NOTES 14-17 ADAPTED FROM: Guelcher, William: THE SCARLET LETTER: STRATEGIES IN TEACHING: Idea Works Inc., Eagan Minnesota, 1989. Van Kirk, Susan: HAWTHORNE’S THE SCARLET LETTER: CliffszNotes. IDG Books Worldwide Inc., Forest City, California., 2000.
  2. Chapters 14-17 In Chapter 14, Hawthorne does what is unthinkable to some readers: Stirs pity for Chillingworth. Chillingworth notes that Hester has paid her dues under the weight of the very public scarlet letter, and if she had “met earlier with a better love than mine, this evil had not been.” Nonetheless, Hester sees how evil he has become and hates him.
  3. CHAPTERS 14-17 By Chapter 15, the differences in the two relationships are clear. The Hester/Chillingworth relationship: a marriage accepted and legal in every way. But it had no love or passion. Hester/Dimmesdale: love and passion but no marriage. Forbidden in Puritan society. A sad sidenote: Hester is so desperate for someone to confide in, she almost confides in Pearl.
  4. CHAPTERS 14-17 Chapter 16: “A Forest Walk” Rich with atmosphere and symbolism. The chilly gloom of the forest reflects Hester’s state of mind. The narrow footpath through the dense forest suggest the “moral wilderness” Hester has been forced to follow for the past seven years. The “Black Man” is connected with the scarlet letter. Pearl is connected with nature, especially the brook: As a product of passion, she understands nature’s wildness and beauty.
  5. Chapters 14-17 Chapter 17 is critical: Hester and Dimmesdale reawaken their dormant love. Hawthorne indicates his take on punishment and forgiveness: Deliberate, calculated acts of malice (Chillingworth) are far worse than sins of passion.
  6. CHAPTERS 14-17 Hester and Dimmesdale’s escape plan reveals the conflict between natural law and Puritan law. Hester believes they can outrun these “iron men” with their rules, guilt, and punishment. Dimmesdale is not so sure. Two forms of moral law: the laws of God and nature, and the laws interpreted and written by Puritan society. The dilemma: Can escaping the rules of man enable them to also do God’s will?
  7. Chapters 14-17 In the debate, Hawthorne reveals important traits of his characters. Hester shows the inner strength and courage that has sustained her through seven years of brutal isolation: “The whole seven years of outlaw and ignominy had been little other than a preparation for this very hour.”
  8. Chapters 14-17 Dimmesdale lacks this perspective and courage. He literally calls on Hester’s strength to support him. Remember, that Puritans believe that God allows redemption only for the elect and that salvation is attained solely through faith and the gift of divine grace. Dimmesdale feels he is already condemned.
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