The Scarlet Letter Chapters 21-22

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Questions and Answers

What is the setting of Chapter 21?

The marketplace where the characters are gathered to welcome the new governor.

Who are the characters present in Chapter 21?

Hester, Dimmesdale, and the captain

Pearl, Hester, and Dimmesdale

Pearl, Hester, and the captain

Pearl, Hester, Dimmesdale, respectable Native Americans, rowdy sailors, and the captain (correct)

What is the plot of Chapter 21?

Pearl and Hester are watching the procession, and Hester questions whether she should escape with Dimmesdale and never have to wear the scarlet letter again.

What is the symbol of Chapter 21?

The captain's outfit with gold ribbons, symbolizing the fact that he is allowed to flaunt his wealth because he is a sailor, unlike Hester. Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of Chapter 22?

The procession of officials. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the characters present in Chapter 22?

Dimmesdale, Hester, Pearl, and Mistress Hibbins Signup and view all the answers

What is the plot of Chapter 22?

Dimmesdale walks into the procession of officials, and Hester and Dimmesdale walk by each other without acknowledging each other, despite their connection in the forest. Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbol of Chapter 22?

Pearl, who is a living, breathing symbol of adultery and will always keep Dimmesdale and Hester connected in some way. Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of Chapter 23?

The scaffold, which is right outside the meeting hall. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the main characters in Chapter 23?

Dimmesdale, Hester, Pearl, and Chillingsworth Signup and view all the answers

What is the plot of Chapter 23?

Dimmesdale asks Hester and Pearl to join him on the scaffold, and he confesses his sin with Hester and reveals his letter. Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbol of Chapter 23?

The kiss Pearl gave Dimmesdale, which shows that they all are accepting of the letters and are not ashamed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of Chapter 24?

The Massachusetts Bay Colony at the scaffold where people are still trying to figure out what really happened in the marketplace. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the characters in Chapter 24?

Hawthorne, Chillingworth, Pearl, and Hester Signup and view all the answers

What is the plot of Chapter 24?

There are three theories circulating about the A supposedly seen on Dimmesdale's chest, and Hawthorne shares a quote and theme about the importance of being true. Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbol of Chapter 24?

The Scarlet Letter, which becomes a symbol of help and redemption, reminding Hester of her sin and inspiring her to help others. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 21

The setting is in the marketplace, where characters are gathered to welcome the new governor.
Characters present in this chapter include Pearl, Hester, Dimmesdale, respectable Native Americans, rowdy sailors, and the captain.
The plot revolves around Pearl and Hester watching the procession, with Hester questioning whether she should escape with Dimmesdale and never have to wear the scarlet letter again.
The captain's outfit with gold ribbons symbolizes the fact that he is allowed to flaunt his wealth, unlike Hester.

Chapter 22

The setting is at the procession of officials.
Characters present in this chapter include Dimmesdale, Hester, Pearl, and Mistress Hibbins.
The plot involves Dimmesdale walking into the procession of officials, where Hester and Dimmesdale walk by each other without acknowledging their connection.
Hester tells Pearl not to mention anything about the forest to anyone, and Pearl barely recognizes Dimmesdale as her father.
Mistress Hibbins shows Pearl what Dimmesdale has been hiding from everyone.

Chapter 23

The setting is on the scaffold, right outside the meeting hall.
The main characters in this chapter are Dimmesdale, Hester, Pearl, and Chillingsworth.
The plot revolves around Dimmesdale's confession of his sin with Hester, revealing his letter, and his acceptance of his sin.
Pearl finally opens up to Dimmesdale and kisses him, symbolizing acceptance of their sin.
Dimmesdale dies after confessing his sin.

Chapter 24

The setting is in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, at the scaffold where people are still trying to figure out what happened in the marketplace.
The characters in this chapter include Hawthorne, Chillingworth, Pearl, and Hester.
The plot involves three theories circulating about the A supposedly seen on Dimmesdale's chest, with Hawthorne ultimately deciding to reveal the characters' fates.
Chillingworth shrivels up and vanishes, while Pearl disappears to Europe with her mother, but her fate is not known.
Hester reapplies the letter A on herself and goes on a mission to help others out, eventually becoming an icon and a symbol of a better life.
The Scarlet Letter becomes a symbol of help, reminding Hester of her sin, but also inspiring her to help others.

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Description

Explore Chapters 21 and 22 of 'The Scarlet Letter' where key themes of wealth and social status are examined amidst the backdrop of a public procession. Witness the emotional tension between Hester, Dimmesdale, and Pearl as they navigate their complicated relationships in the crowd. Understand how these chapters reflect on societal constructs and personal identity.