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The Scarlet Letter

 

Since they are shunned by the community, they live on the outskirts of Boston. Later, community officials attempt to take Pearl away from Hester, but with the help of young Father Arthur Dimmesdale, the two are able to stay together as a family. Father Dimmesdale, however, is suffering from severe, mysterious heart trouble that seemed to be caused by psychological grief. Chillingworth becomes close with the ailing minister and moves in with him so he can provide round-the-clock care. He then begins to suspect that the minister's suffering may have some connection with Hester's secret, so he tests the ailing minister to see what he can learn. One afternoon, Chillingworth sees a mark on the priest's chest while he sleeps, details which is kept from the readers, but it makes Chillingworth believe that his suspicions are correct. .
             Dimmesdale psychologically becomes worse and he begins new ways to torture himself. All the while, Hester's charitable deeds and quiet humiliation have earned her a relief from the hate of the community. One day both Hester and Pearl were returning from a visit to a deathbed and observe Father Dimmesdale atop the town's scaffold punishing himself for his sins. The two join him and they link hands as a family. Pearl asks of her father to acknowledge her publicly and as he refuses, a meteor marks a red "A" in the sky. Hester notices that the minister's condition is worsening and she decides to intervene by confronting her husband, Chillingworth, and telling him to stop adding to Dimmesdale's self-torment. He refuses.
             Hester guesses that Chillingworth will reveal his identity so she arranges a meeting in the forest with Arthur (Dimmesdale) and they plan to move to Europe so that they can live as a family. Both begin to feel set free and Hester even removes her scarlet letter followed by taking down her hair. The day before the ship is to set sail, it is a holiday and Arthur gives his most eloquent sermon while Hester finds out that Chillingworth has booked the same trip to Europe.


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