The Scarlet Letter
By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (pg. 156-166)
All of the thoughts rushing through Hester's and Dimmesdale's minds make the encounter even more fantastic. Dimmesdale says he won't leave the town alone and Hester said you won't. Dimmesdale tells Hester he has had no hope for the past seven years and now with the promise of Hester leaving with him he feels free. They both agree to leave Salem together and start a new life together. This experience is so freeing for them that Dimmesdale has left his glum state behind him and Hester removes the scarlet letter and lets her hair down. They only thing thats left is to tell Pearl and hope that she will accept Dimmesdale.
Hester assures Dimmesdale that he will love Pearl and she will love him. Dimmesdale was very nervous because other children typically do not enjoy his presence but he is hopeful because the encounters he has had with pearl have been positive. Hester calls Pearl to come and she can see Pearl in the distance. Pearl approaches but very slowly because Dimmesdale is with her mom. When Pearl arrives at the brook she refuses to cross and cries as she points at her mother bosom. Hester sees why Pearl is upset and puts her scarlet letter back on and her hair back up. Pearl then reluctantly goes to meet Mr. Dimmesdale. Dimmesdale as nervous as he is bends down and kisses Pearl on the forehead. Pearl then runs back to the brook to vigorously was her face.
Hester has made plans to leave Salem and even gives up her emblem of shame and plans to start a brand new life. Dimmesdale is happy for the first time in seven years and then the shame of his daughter washing his kiss off of her forehead promises to put a damper in that happiness. Will they still leave Salem despite Pearls discomfort? How will the next couple days effect their decisions?
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