Chapter 20 Summary and Analysis
Dimmesdale takes his leave of Hester and Pearl. He tries to focus on the plan: there’s a boat docked in Boston harbor that plans to leave in four days, and Hester, who knows the captain because of her charity work, will secure them passage across the Atlantic. Dimmesdale need only have faith in the plan and be strong until they can leave. Unfortunately, he still has duties as the minister, and before he can leave, he must deliver the Election Sermon. This does not bother him at first, because he feels invigorated by his meeting with Hester. He walks faster. Breathes easier. Seems full of life.
Dimmesdale thinks he’s a changed man. He repudiates his past weakness and cowardice, distancing himself from the man he used to be. When he speaks with the deacon, the minister struggles to hold his tongue and refrain from saying vile, sinful things. When he speaks with an old widow, he cannot remember any lines of scripture and doesn’t remember what he whispers in her ear. When he sees a young, beautiful member of his flock in the street, he thinks of shooting her an evil glance and then following it with a snide remark. Instead, he covers his face with his cloak.
When Dimmesdale feels the urge to teach a group of children some curse words, he starts rethinking his plan to leave with Hester. Just then, Mistress Hibbins happens to walk by, wearing a velvet gown and an elaborate headdress. She has heard of his visit to the forest (though not of Hester’s plan), and she assumes that he was communing with the Black Man or devil. She offers to accompany him on his next visit. He refuses, of course, but this only amuses her.
Following his meeting with Mistress Hibbins, Dimmesdale becomes convinced that Hester’s plan is actually a deal with the devil. He rushes home, where he finds a half-written sermon still sitting on his desk. Seeing it, he realizes that he has been tempted by the devil and come back a changed man, wiser than before. As if on cue, Chillingworth enters the room, asking Dimmesdale about his travels and his health. Surprisingly, the minister refuses the medicines offered by Chillingworth. This leads the physician to realize that he has been identified as an enemy. Neither of them directly addresses the issue, however. Chillingworth leaves, and Dimmesdale sits down to eat and write a new sermon.
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Expert Q&A
In chapter 20 of The Scarlet Letter, how has Dimmesdale's physical appearance changed since his last meeting with Hester?
Since his last meeting with Hester, Dimmesdale exhibits a remarkable physical transformation. Previously weak and languid, he now possesses an unusual energy and vigor, moving quickly and energetically, which is a stark contrast to his earlier frail demeanor. This newfound vitality is linked to the emotional excitement from his plan to escape with Hester and Pearl, highlighting the subconscious impact of his renewed commitment to sin.
What lesson does Rev. Dimmesdale learn in chapter 20 of The Scarlet Letter?
In Chapter 20, Reverend Dimmesdale learns a profound lesson about his own moral corruption and hypocrisy. After planning to escape with Hester and Pearl, he experiences a sense of wicked freedom, tempted by sinful thoughts. His encounter with Mistress Hibbins highlights his moral failure and the realization that he has metaphorically sold his soul. Dimmesdale acknowledges his hypocrisy and guilt, understanding he has failed as a servant of God, and fears his path to perdition.
In The Scarlet Letter, who is Mistress Hibbens referring to when she offers to introduce Reverend Dimmesdale to "yonder potentate you wot of" in Chapter 20?
In Chapter 20, Mistress Hibbins refers to the devil when she offers to introduce Reverend Dimmesdale to "yonder potentate you wot of." Her words imply that Dimmesdale, despite his revered status, is hypocritical and secretly acquainted with sin, reflecting his hidden guilt over his affair with Hester Prynne. Hibbins, associated with witchcraft, ironically suggests that Dimmesdale is already familiar with the devil, highlighting his internal struggle with pride and sin.
What does Hawthorne convey about sin and human responsibility through Dimmesdale's change in chapter 20 of The Scarlet Letter?
Through Dimmesdale's transformation, Hawthorne illustrates how sin leads to further temptations and moral decay. After deciding to escape with Hester, Dimmesdale experiences a deceptive euphoria, feeling tempted to commit more sins. Hawthorne suggests that sin weakens one's ability to act responsibly, as it requires deceit to conceal, creating guilt and confusion about one's true self. Dimmesdale’s struggle underscores the burden of hidden sin and its corrosive impact on integrity and responsibility.
How does Hester meet the ship's captain in chapter 20 of The Scarlet Letter?
Hester meets the ship's captain while performing her duties as a nurse, ensuring ships do not bring diseases into the community. During her visit to a vessel from the Spanish Main, she learns it will sail for Bristol in three days, offering her a chance to escape her public shame. Hester's familiarity with the captain is socially accepted, but Chillingworth also secures passage, threatening her escape plan.
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