The Scarlet Letter Summaries

The story by Kate Chopin revolves around a character known as Désirée Valmondé. The family of Valmondé adopted her when she was abandoned by the roadside. The adoptive parents loved her. Later, she fell in love with Armand, a man from a wealthy family. Because of the immense love that…

There are several different accounts of what happened in the marketplace. Majority of the witnesses claim they saw the scarlet letter upon Dimmesdale’s bosom. Others believe this emblem embodies the torture that the minister inflicted upon himself. What’s more, there are those who claim that Dimmesdale’s demise is a parable…

After Dimmesdale’s sermon on Election Day, the congregation leaves his powerful words inspired the church. This marks Dimmesdale’s most triumphant moment in his public life. The crowd is highly excited as the people pay tribute to the minister. Not long afterward, the jubilation reduces to a murmur as Dimmesdale begins…

The procession starts while Hester is still thinking about Chillingworth’s smile. The soldiers arrive followed by political figures and finally, Dimmesdale himself. He is exhibiting great energy and a strong sense of purpose. The chapter focuses on how Hester reacts to Dimmesdale. He now seems so far from the person…

Hester and her daughter make their way to the marketplace. They want to witness the procession and celebrations accompanying the assumption of office by elected officials. Hester is thinking about their plan with Dimmesdale to leave Boston together and once again begin a new life as a woman. As she…

Dimmesdale cannot believe what has just happened in the forest and quickly departs. Looking back, he sees Pearl dancing to his departure, and Hester is deeply engulfed in sorrow. Thinking about their plan, Dimmesdale believes escaping to Europe is the best option. What’s more, there is a vessel docked at…

Hester resolves that it is now time for Pearl and Dimmesdale to meet. Dimmesdale confesses his fear of someone one day, discovering a similarity between him and Pearl. However, Hester reassures him that her daughter will accept him as long as he does not arouse strong emotions in her. Pearl…

Dimmesdale is encouraged through Hester’s emotional strength. He finally agrees to escape the Puritan society accompanied by Hester. Hester takes off the scarlet letter as well as her cap, which frees up her luxurious rich hair. Simultaneously, the sunshine bursts reflecting her passionate act. Hester now desires that Dimmesdale gets…

As Dimmesdale returns from a visit to the company of Apostle Eliot, they hear Hester’s voice in the wilderness. He is very surprised and thinks she might be a ghost. Dimmesdale and Hester lengthily discuss the previous seven years. He then confesses his unhappiness and misery. He compares his secret…