The Scarlet Letter Chapters 14-16 Analysis PDF

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Analysis notes of the novel, The Scarlet letter, from 18th century Puritan writing in America for chapters 14, 15, and 16....

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Claudia Consiglio Ms. Leonard American Literature 12 December 2021 The Scarlet Letter Chapters 14-16 Analysis Chapter 14: Analysis: Chillingworth has been obsessed with vengeance over the course of these seven years, and this terrible sin has drastically transformed him. He pities Hester because he believes she is not truly sinful, and that any breach of God's rule has already been compensated for by her wearing the scarlet letter. He also believes that the evil would not have happened if she had met sooner with a better love than his. On the other end, he claims that it is his destiny to transform from a "kind, true, and just" man to a devilish fiend. Hawthorne reveals what the years have done to Chillingworth by putting these two characters together in this chapter without Pearl. Despite his mistreatment of Dimmesdale, we see a side of the old scholar that makes us pity him, and we realize that of all of them, Hester has paid her dues and deserves our respect. Vocabulary: Sedulous (adj.)- hardworking and diligent. Precocity (noun)- to be mature or developed beyond your actual chronological age. Summary: Hester sees Chillingworth while walking on the peninsula with Pearl and sends Pearl down to the beach to play while she speaks with her husband. She is just as surprised by Chillingworth's changes, just as she was was by Dimmesdale's spiritual disease and aging. She

feels guilty for "another ruin" now that she realizes Chillingworth is in the hands of the devil. Chillingworth is said to have done evil to the minister as a result of Hester's pledge, but Chillingworth initially denies his role. He then admits that, while being nice, compassionate, and affectionate in the past, he now allows evil to use him. The doctor believes it is his destiny to become a fiend. He breaks Hester's promise to keep silent.

Chapter 15: Analysis: Hester expresses her intense loathing for Chillingworth in this chapter, despite her pity for him in Chapter 14. He started a chain of events that began with an unhealthy, loveless marriage, she realizes. Whether it's sin or not, I despise the man! she concludes. For the first time, we get to hear her feelings about her marriage to Chillingworth. He sat among his books for hours, emerging to "bask himself in [her]... smile." She used to think of this household situation as cheerful, but now she sees how sad it was and considers it one of "her ugliest recollections." The attentive reader should be scrutinizing the differences between the two relationships depicted in the text by now. First, the Hester-Chillingworth marriage is acceptable and legal in every manner, but it is deprived of love and passion. In the relationship between Hester and Dimmesdale, there was love and passion without marriage. Vocabulary: Petulant (adj.)- insolent or rude in speech or behavior. Acrid (adj.)- deeply or violently bitter. Summary:

Hester understands how terrible Chillingworth has become as he walks away, and she realizes she hates him. In the meantime, Pearl has kept herself occupied by playing with her image in a pool, making boats out of birch bark, and throwing pebbles at beach birds. Finally, she makes a scarf out of seaweed and embellishes her bosom with a green letter A. Pearl is curious about the meaning of the scarlet letter. Hester is tempted to tell her because she doesn't have anyone else to confide in. Despite Pearl's repeated queries, Hester insists on wearing the letter "for the sake of the gold thread" - the first time she has "been false to the emblem on her chest." Pearl is unsatisfied and continues to interrogate Hester until she is threatened with being locked in a dark closet.

Chapter 16: Analysis: The longest section of continuous dramatic action in the novel is found in this chapter. Even though the story spans seven years, one-fifth of its total words are centered here, on this single, pivotal day. This chapter mostly serves to set the stage for the confession that follows. It has a lot of mood and symbolism as well. The forest's icy gloom nearly perfectly fits Hester's emotions and the mood of the action that follows. Almost every element discussed in the chapter has a symbolic meaning. Hawthorne relates the letter to the Black Man and, finally, to Dimmesdale's burden, primarily through their talks. The winding road through the deep forest resembles the "moral wasteland" that Hester has been forced to traverse for the previous seven years. Despite the fact that the story of the Black Man and his mark is regarded as a "common belief," the Black Man and his mark have a specific, personal resonance for Hester.

In this chapter, Hawthorne spends some time connecting Pearl to nature and the countryside around them. Pearl, as a result of her enthusiasm, appears to communicate with nature and comprehend its wildness and beauty. She notices how the sun adores her but then vanishes for Hester. The thought that Hester wishes Pearl will never have to wear a scarlet letter, or emblem of a "sinful" conduct, is added to this perspective. Pearl has not yet experienced a loss that has filled her with compassion and sympathy, humanizing her in the same way that Hester has. Vocabulary: Scintillating (adj.)- sparkling, bright, witty. Scrofula (noun)- a tuberculosis of the lymph glands in the neck. Summary: Hester tries unsuccessfully for several days to catch Dimmesdale on one of his frequent excursions along the beach or through the woods. When she learns that he would be returning from a trip, she takes Pearl into the woods in the hopes of meeting him when he returns. Flickering gleams of sunlight burst through the heavy gray clouds above her and Pearl as they go along the small route through the dense woods. The A on Hester's bosom, according to Pearl, is causing the sun to avoid her. Pearl, on the other hand, being a child without such a letter, runs and "catches" a ray of sunshine, which suddenly vanishes as Hester approaches. Pearl requests that Hester inform her about the Black Man. She's heard rumors about him and asks about her interactions with him, as well as whether the scarlet letter is his mark. Under Pearl's interrogation, Hester admits that it is his mark. Hester and Pearl sit on a lump of moss alongside a brook, having reached the depths of the forest. Hester sends Pearl away when footsteps are heard on the path, but not before the girl inquires if it is the Black Man approaching and if Dimmesdale is holding his hand over his heart to cover the Black Man's sign. Dimmesdale

approaches them before Hester can respond. The minister looks haggard and feeble and moves listlessly as though he has no purpose or desire to live. He holds his hand over his heart....