Chapter 23 Summary and Analysis

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Dimmesdale finally finishes his sermon. Discussing it amongst themselves, his parishioners declare that his was a brilliant speech and that he’s the holiest man to ever live in New England. He himself thinks exactly the opposite, and the disproportionate amount of admiration he receives in this scene leads him to at last reveal his secret. He calls Hester and Pearl to his side, ignoring Chillingworth’s claim that he’s acting like a madman. He climbs to the scaffold, where he declares that Hester is not the only sinner in their midst. He himself bears a scarlet letter, which he reveals in dramatic fashion by tearing open his shirt. There, the entire crowd can see the A carved into his skin.

Weakened by his outburst, Dimmesdale falls down. Hester rushes to him and cradles his head in her arms one last time. Before he dies, he prays that God will forgive Chillingworth’s sins, as well as his own. Pearl then kisses her father on the lips, crying over him as he speaks his dying words: that God has shown mercy by forcing them to suffer for their sins in life and that they may still be reunited in the afterlife. With that, he bids her farewell.

Parallelism

It’s no accident that Dimmesdale’s sudden confession takes place at the same spot as Hester’s public humiliation. Hawthorne uses this parallelism to both align and misalign his main characters, binding them together in their sin but differentiating them by the effect that sin has had on their lives.

Simile

Hawthorne describes the blush fading from Dimmesdale’s hot cheeks “like a flame that sinks down hopelessly among the late decaying embers.” This fading of color corresponds to a fading of energy and passion that leaves the Reverend weak and frail.

Symbols

The Scaffold. Once again, Hawthorne uses the scaffold as a symbol of guilt and shame. When Dimmesdale climbs onto it to make his confession, he’s attempting to recreate the scene of public humiliation in chapter 2. He feels that he should’ve been labeled a sinner right then, alongside Hester. His failure to reveal himself earlier leads to his death.

Themes

Family. Little attention has been paid to the fact that Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale form an unconventional family. In effect, Dimmesdale is the estranged father, Hester the single mother, and Pearl the child born out of wedlock. These are untraditional but not uncommon roles, which Dimmesdale and Hester have chosen for themselves out of fear and shame. This separation makes them miserable. In the content of this novel, their only hope of earthly happiness is to unite as a family. Unfortunately, this proves impossible.

Expert Q&A

What truth does the paradox "triumphant ignominy" reveal in chapter 23 of The Scarlet Letter?

"Bringing me hither, to die this death of triumphant ignominy"

The paradox "triumphant ignominy" in Chapter 23 highlights Dimmesdale's belief that God's mercy is demonstrated through his suffering and disgrace. He views his public confession and death as a merciful act by God, aligning with Calvinist beliefs of divine wrath and predestination. Dimmesdale's interpretation reveals his inner conflict and confusion about sin, punishment, and redemption, believing that his disgrace is a form of divine mercy rather than forgiveness or grace.

Why does Pearl kiss Dimmesdale in chapter 23 of The Scarlet Letter?

Pearl kisses Dimmesdale in Chapter 23 as an act of mercy and transformation. Dimmesdale publicly reveals his guilt and the scarlet letter carved on his chest, symbolizing his suffering from the secret of fathering Pearl. Pearl's kiss signifies the breaking of a spell, marking her emotional growth and acceptance. This act redeems and liberates all characters involved, ending her role as a symbol of her parents' sin and allowing her to embrace human emotions.

How does Dimmesdale appear after his sermon in chapter 23 of The Scarlet Letter?

After his sermon, Dimmesdale appears feeble and pale, with his energy withdrawn, and a deathlike hue. The glow that once burned on his cheek is extinguished, making him seem hardly alive. He can barely walk, tottering as he leaves the church, and turns toward the scaffold, indicating his physical and emotional exhaustion.

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