The Scarlet Letter – Summary Chapter XXI – XXIV

Chapter XXI – The New England Holiday

Election Day was one of the rare holidays for New England when the Puritans—usually repressed by their strict law—could enjoy merriments; this was also the day Hester would be set free from wearing the scarlet letter. Chillingworth appeared and had conversation with vessel’s captain—who previously had arranged to take Hester and Dimmesdale in his boat; then the captain informed Hester that they would have another passenger, which was—in Hester’s horror—the old physician.

Chapter XXII – The Procession

The procession began, exhibiting the honorable ranks of the magistrates and citizens, then appeared Rev. Dimmesdale appeared, energetic and with an angelic look. Hester felt as if Dimmisdale had gone away from her, she then approached near the scaffold—where she had been seven years ago—to listen to Dimmesdale coming Election Sermon.

Chapter XXIII – The Revelation of The Scarlet Letter

Rev. Dimmesdale’s sermon was so wise and holy to the people’s ears, however at the end of it he looked suddenly pale and feeble; he called Hester and Little Pearl to step up on the scaffold with him, while dismissing Chillingworth’s last attempt to win his soul. Dimmesdale finally admitted to the public that he was the man who committed adultery with Hester, and proved it by tearing his robe to reveal what some of the people witnessed as a scarlet letter on his bosom; he finally died after having kissed Pearl.

Chapter XXIV – Conclusion

There are many speculations about what was the mark on Dimmesdale’s bosom; meanwhile Chillingworth’s energy had vanished after his vengeance came to end, and he bequeathed his estates to Little Pearl before his death. Hester and Pearl disappeared from New England, but some years later Hester returned alone to her old cottage and kept the scarlet letter and giving counsels and comforts to the people in sorrow as her repentance; while Pearl had married and lived happily somewhere.