The Scarlet Letter – Chapters 21-24

As you finish the novel, which type (or types) of irony seems to predominate? What is ironic about the lives of the four major characters?

Keep in mind, too, the major motifs (recurring structures) of the novel: the effect of sin on human beings; the psychological and moral effects of guilt; the ramifications of moral pride combined with intellect.

Chapter 21

*Note that Hawthorne begins several paragraphs of the description in a first-person (plural) point of view. Why do you think he might have chosen to halt the narrative at this point?

Vocabulary

  1. quaff
  2. effervesce
  3. mirth
  4. scruple
  5. tempestuous
  6. animadversion
  7. galliard

Points to Ponder

  1. Dimmesdale must cross a swamp to return to the scaffold. What happens in the swamp?
  2. Describe what happens to Hester after she puts the scarlet letter back on.
  3. Why does Pearl say that Dimmesdale is a “strange, sad man”?
  4. What is the New England holiday?

Chapter 22

*Note: Increase Mather was one of the Puritans’ most powerful religious leaders, and from 1685-1701, the president of HarvardUniversity.

Vocabulary

  1. mercenary
  2. necromancy
  3. pathos
  4. gradations
  5. indefatigable
  6. requital
  7. surmise
  8. stigma

Points to Ponder

  1. What did Pearl want from Dimmesdale that Hester would not permit?
  2. Hester’s “spirit sank with the idea that all must have been a delusion.” What’s happening at this point?
  3. What news does the shipmaster ask Pearl to tell Hester?

Chapter 23

This chapter, the climax of the action, is another scaffold scene. In this scene, Hawthorne dramatically emphasizes Dimmesdale’s character. Note how Hawthorne foreshadows that scene through the words of the shipmaster.

Vocabulary

  1. oracle
  2. lore
  3. apotheosis

Points to Ponder

  1. Who empowered Dimmesdale to stand on the scaffold?
  2. Describe the most significant thing Dimmesdale does in this chapter.
  3. What did Pearl do when standing next to her father on the scaffold? Why?
  4. Describe what happens to Pearl during this final scaffold moment.
  5. What does Chillingworth do in response to Dimmesdale’s actions on the scaffold. Why?

Chapter 24

*Note: “Sable” and “gules,” in heraldry, are the colors black and red.

Vocabulary

  1. conjecture
  2. portent
  3. nugatory

Points to Ponder

  1. What does Hawthorne say about what happened at the scaffold at the beginning of this chapter?
  2. What important lesson had Dimmesdale taught the people of the town? Find a quote for this.
  3. Who did Chillingworth leave his property to?
  4. What do people think the scarlet letter stood for on Dimmesdale’s breast?
  5. What details do we know about Chillingworth after reading this chapter? Hester? Pearl?