Summary: Chapter 11: The Interior of a Heart
His struggles allow him to empathize with human weakness , and he thus addresses “the whole human brotherhood in the heart's native language.” Although the reverend deeply yearns to confess the truth of his sin to his parishioners, he cannot bring himself to do so.
How is Chapter 11 significant to the theme of the novel Scarlet Letter?
Chapter XI of The Scarlet Letter is significant to the theme of the psychological effects of sin in two ways: 1. In the paradox of Dimmesdale's futile attempts at public confession, he increases his guilt. For, the more he asserts his own sinfulness, the more the townspeople perceive him as a holy man.
What is Chapter 11 of the scarlet letter about?
Summary: Chapter 11: The Interior of a Heart
His struggles allow him to empathize with human weakness , and he thus addresses “the whole human brotherhood in the heart's native language.” Although the reverend deeply yearns to confess the truth of his sin to his parishioners, he cannot bring himself to do so.
How is Chillingworth described Chapter 11?
At the same time, the symbol of human evil, Chillingworth, appears more evil than ever in this chapter. Chillingworth, Hawthorne says, is a “poor, forlorn creature . . . more wretched than his victim .” His revenge is coming at a cost: He is becoming the personification of evil.
What is the theme of Chapter 12 in The Scarlet Letter?
Nature celebrates the scarlet letter . Yet Dimmesdale's goes with the “arch-fiend,” He's chosen secret sin over punishment, repentance, and internal truth. The next day Dimmesdale delivers his most powerful sermon ever.
How does Hester wear her scarlet letter?
Hester, proud and beautiful, emerges from the prison. She wears an elaborately embroidered scarlet letter A — standing for “adultery ” — on her breast , and she carries a three-month-old infant in her arms. Hester is led through the unsympathetic crowd to the scaffold of the pillory.
Who dies in the Scarlet Letter?
Reverend Dimmesdale dies of an illness that haunts his soul. Tormented by his terrible guilt and the psychological torture of Roger Chillingworth who has vowed that “he will be mine,” Dimmesdale is so burdened spiritually that his health fails and he can bear his sin no more.
What did pearl ask Mr Dimmesdale?
3. What did Pearl ask Mr. Dimmesdale? Pearl asked Dimmesdale if he would stand on the scaffolding, hand in hand, with Hester and her at noontime the next day .
How does Chillingworth get revenge on Dimmesdale?
Roger Chillingworth tortures Arthur Dimmesdale by continually questioning the cause of his mysterious affliction and neglecting to clean Dimmesdale's self-inflicted wound on his chest . ... Roger Chillingworth even offers to become Dimmesdale's roommate, which allows him to investigate Dimmesdale's dark secret.
Did Dimmesdale carve an A into his chest?
He discovers that Dimmesdale, out of the guilt and sadness he feels from what occurs with Hester, has carved a letter “A” on his chest . This act of self-mutilation is essentially his own way to “share” the pain of Hester's humiliation.
Why does Hester Prynne hate Chillingworth?
Hester is afraid of Chillingworth because she knows what he is capable of doing . He is a learned man and has devoted his life to the healing arts. Having been with the Indians, he has added herbs and medicinal plants to his sagacious accomplishments.
What does Chillingworth say when Dimmsdale collapses?
Deaf to Chillingworth's attempt to stop him, Dimmesdale mounts the scaffold with Hester and Pearl. He declares that God has led him there. ... The crowd recoils in shock, and Chillingworth cries out, “ Thou hast escaped me! ” Pearl finally bestows on Dimmesdale the kiss she has withheld from him.
Does Dimmesdale confess his sin?
Dimmesdale confesses his sin in the only way that he knows to be true , in front of all the people he was dishonest to and through the influence of God. ... The manhood he embodied was that of a innocent soul, and confessing his sin for God proved him to be an honest man.
Who passes Dimmesdale in Chapter 12 but does not see him?
Reverend Wilson is passing nearby but does not investigate the sound. However, Governor Bellingham and Mistress Hibbins do hear the cry and peek out of their windows into the darkness. Hester and Pearl are returning from the deathbed of a former governor and they join Dimmesdale atop the scaffold.
How has The Scarlet Letter changed Hester mentally?
Through the course of the novel, it appears that Hester changes from an arrogant, unremorseful woman to a much kinder and helpful, repentant woman . ... In the beginning of The Scarlet Letter, we see Hester being punished publicly for the sin she has committed with Arthur Dimmesdale.
How old is Pearl in Chapter 13 in The Scarlet Letter?
As chapter 13 of The Scarlet Letter opens, Hester has aged, and find that Pearl is now seven years old .
