Summary
Seven years have passed since Pearl’s birth. Hester is shocked at the poor physical and psychological state of Dimmesdale and resolves to do something to help his condition. Hester herself has been accepted by the community and has outwardly accepted the role she has been forced to assume. She has submitted uncomplainingly to menial tasks, to poor living conditions, and to public insults. Her charity and unfailing tenderness have earned her respect, and now most townspeople interpret the “A” upon her breast as standing for “Able.”
Source: MAXnotes to The Scarlet Letter, ©2000 Research and Education Association, Inc.. All Rights Reserved. Full copyright.
(The entire page is 448 words.)
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