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.
It is interesting to note the change of Hester's personality.
She has become stronger within herself and is able to take a stand and make
her own decisions. She no longer allows Chillingworth to dominate her and
is finally able to warn Dimmesdale and reveal Chillingworth's true identity.
She also has been devoting her life to charitable service and has won the
admiration of many of the townspeople and the A has taken on a new meaning,
"Able."
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