Chapter 21 Summary and Analysis
Boston celebrates the inauguration of Massachusetts’s new governor with a holiday. Hester and Pearl join their neighbors in the marketplace, where everyone has gathered. Pearl doesn’t understand it’s a holiday and dislikes the fact that the jailer smiles at her. Once again, she asks Hester if Dimmesdale will take her hand, and once again, Hester tells her no. This is not the time for Dimmesdale to reveal his true identity. This is a Puritan holiday, and though it isn’t gloomy, exactly, there isn’t much in the way of revelry. Just a bit of wrestling and sport to entertain the masses.
In attendance at the celebration are a group of Native Americans, who wear traditional clothing and behave in a respectable manner, and a rowdy bunch of sailors, who get drunk and behave terribly in front of everyone. The captain of that sailing ship wears a gaudy outfit with gold ribbons and flaunts his wealth in front of the Puritans, who would be vilified if they wore such an outfit. Oddly enough, Chillingworth accompanies the ship’s captain, looking old and haggard next to the younger, grander figure. It turns out that he has secured passage on the very same ship as Hester and Dimmesdale. He intends to accompany them to Europe and torment the minister forever.
Alliteration
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Expert Q&A
In Chapter 21 of The Scarlet Letter, what Puritan values do their celebrations exemplify?
What English ceremony is the Election Day pageantry imitating in Chapter 21 of "The Scarlet Letter"?
The Election Day pageantry in Chapter 21 of "The Scarlet Letter" imitates the English ceremony "Mothering Sunday," celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent to honor mothers. This connection is ironic given the themes of the novel. Hawthorne renames it Election Day, but those familiar with Mothering Sunday would recognize the reference.
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