Summary:

As the years pass, both Hester and Dimmesdale change both in appearance and in demeanor. Dimmesdale's guilt has made him morally weak, whereas Hester has become serious and practical. She has become active in helping the poor, needy and sick in her community. People are starting to respect her more and saying that the letter A represents Able in her case and not Adultery.

Pearl is becoming more difficult to discipline and Hester is extremely concerned about her. The child lacks friends and at times her behavior is very strange.

Dimmesdale's listlessness begins to upset Hester to such a degree that she decides to help him by breaking her promise to Chillingworth and revealing his identity. She plans to meet Chillingworth and tell him what she intends to do. When she does, she is surprised to see that he also has changed and that he has become a very callous and calculating individual.

Hester's next step is to somehow meet Dimmesdale so that she can talk with him. One day, in the woods, she has that opportunity.