Hello Blog! Right now, I am writing this before I read so I can record what I think before I read the last chapter. Currently, we are getting ready to see if Dimmesdale and Hester can escape on a boat, but I have a feeling they will not. Since there was a strong connection to nature and especially Pearl with the stream in the last chapters, I am predicting that either Dimmesdale or Pearl will be separated or somehow thrown in the water as they try to secretly escape. Well, now I am going to read and find out!
Well, I was completely wrong, but what an exciting finale the novel had! Chapter 20 is a summation of how the minister feels about his plan to escape with Hester and Pearl. He has several encounters with people where he wants to speak out against religion or teach some Pilgrim kids foul language. This is contradictory however because the reader also learns that Dimmesdale is excited to give his Election Day Sermon. Dimmesdale feels both confined and comforted by the expectations of his faith and his plan of escape. Hester also befriends several sailors on a ship departing to the Old World. Hester and Dimmesdale want to escape to a new life, but the term “Old World” suggests that nothing could change as they escape the new world. An encounter with Mistress Hibbins also leaves Dimmesdale second guessing his plans as he views her as the Devil. Finally, Dimmesdale tells Chillingsworth he no longer wants to take his medicine, and he starts his sermon over from scratch. Chapter 20 highlighted Dimmesdale questioning of his choices and religion.
Wait, are we at the beginning of the novel again? Chapter 21 mirrors the beginning of the novel but instead there is celebration and not punishment. Pearl asks Hester if the minister will hold their hands and acknowledges how Dimmesdale has failed to step up in public. I agree with Pearl! Dimmesdale needs to take some sort of action to show where his true loyalties lie before escaping to the Old World. And oh great, we found out Chillingsworth will also be on the boat. He has an evil glare that shows that he plans to foil Dimmesdale and Hester’s plan.
Chapter 22 begins by showing the reader the power of Puritan society. The reader also notices that Dimmesdale has grown a lot healthier since the brook visit. This is good, I guess? This could be from not taking Chillingworth's medication, but it could also be the author showing that he is happy to finally be free from the strict Puritan society and be with the person he loves. I am weary however, because all Dimmesdale has been doing is keeping secrets and lying about his plans to escape. Does this show that Dimmesdale is “healthier”/ stronger when deceiving others? I hope that is just the skeptic in me. The odd Mistress Hibbins also comes to talk to Hester about Dimmesdale. She declares that the minister's mark will show itself soon. She also invites Hester to come to the next witches meeting in the woods. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as Hester looks up and she finds everyone staring at her!
Chapter 23 shows Dimmesdale giving the best sermon of his life. Although, it is focused on the relationship between God and the people. People also say it was Dimmesdale's most truthful. Sound the alarm, there is a lot of deception and contradictions going on! And oh, my goodness Dimmesdale mounts the scaffold and BEGINS HIS CONFESSION. He leans on Hester as he declares himself a sinner too. Dimmesdale also reveals he has a red mark. Pearl bestows a kiss on Dimmesdale as he has finally stepped up to reveal the truth and stand in public with Hester. Then the MINISTER DIES. WHAT? What do you mean he dies before ever trying to live happily with Hester and Pearl in the new world. NOOOOOOOOOOOOO
In the last chapter, the narrator gives the reader insight into how the Pilgrims are feeling after the Minister's death. Some say that they saw a scarlet mark and they deliberate how he died. Chillingsworth “wastes” away and Hester moves away. Her house becomes a museum, but she eventually comes back but without Pearl. I personally do not know how to feel about Dimmesdale dying. I am glad he spoke his truth and could reunite with Hester in the afterlife. I am happy though that Chillingsworth does not have the chance for revenge. Only in death is Dimmesdale able to escape the expectations of the Puritan society. I believe that this is Hawthorne's final message to the reader. It also reflects on the idea of solipsism which I hope we will discuss in our Harkness!
This reading was long, and I am sorry I was not able to get everything in, but we can leave that for our Harkness!
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