Disappearing Hope

The Scarlet Letter By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (pg. 184-192)

The procession goes by and Dimmesdale looks as happy as ever and vigorously walking with great enthusiasm. As he walks past Hester she longs for him to glance at her. Dimmesdale just walks by continuing briskly with the procession and Hester hardly recognizes this man who looks like Dimmesdale. Mistress Hibbins the witch lady mentions about Hester meeting with Dimmesdale in the forest and Hester tells her she does not know what Mistress Hibbins is talking about.
Most of the town is going into the church to listen to the sermon but Hester listens from outside near the scaffold while Pearl dances about and the mariners watch. The sea captain gives a message to Pearl to give to her mom. The sea captain says there is now only room on the ship for Hester and Pearl as Chillingworth is bringing a friend. As she gets this message a crowd forms around her of, first newcomers and visitors who have heard of the lady with the scarlet letter and then people of the town. Hester had previously felt accepted by the town and now just as she was going to escape the shame of the scarlet letter she is again tormented by the vicious comments and evil stares.

How will Hester tell Dimmesdale of the sea captains message? Surely she won't go to England without him. I wonder what friend Chillingworth plans to bring and why he wants to go to England. I feel bad for Hester that she made one mistake and has suffered for it all this time, as though the people ridiculing her are innocent. She finally was going to have hope and happiness and it's all disappearing.