Back to The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter Chapter guide 1Chapter 1. The Prison DoorA wild rose blooms beside the grim prison door in Puritan Boston. Play 2Chapter 2. The Market PlaceHester Prynne stands on the scaffold with her baby, Pearl, and a scarlet A on her dress. Play 3Chapter 3. The RecognitionIn the crowd she sees her long-lost husband. The minister Dimmesdale asks her to name the father. She refuses. Play 4Chapter 4. The InterviewHer husband, now calling himself Roger Chillingworth, visits her in prison and makes her keep his secret. Play 5Chapter 5. Hester at Her NeedleHester lives at the edge of town and earns her living with beautiful needlework. Play 6Chapter 6. PearlHer daughter Pearl grows up bright, wild and strange. Play 7Chapter 7. The Governor's HallAt Governor Bellingham's mansion, Pearl sees the A shining huge in a suit of armour. Play 8Chapter 8. The Elf Child and the MinisterThe town wants to take Pearl away. Dimmesdale pleads for Hester to keep her. Play 9Chapter 9. The LeechChillingworth becomes the sick minister's doctor and moves in with him. Play 10Chapter 10. The Leech and His PatientChillingworth grows sure that Dimmesdale is hiding something. Play 11Chapter 11. The Interior of a HeartDimmesdale torments himself in secret. Play 12Chapter 12. The Ministers VigilAt midnight he stands on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl, and a meteor lights the sky. Play 13Chapter 13. Another View of HesterOver the years Hester's good works change what the town thinks the A means. Play 14Chapter 14. Hester and the PhysicianHester sees what revenge has done to Chillingworth. Play 15Chapter 15. Hester and PearlPearl asks why the minister keeps his hand over his heart. Play 16Chapter 16. A Forest WalkHester waits for Dimmesdale in the forest. Play 17Chapter 17. The Pastor and His ParishionerShe tells him who Chillingworth really is. They plan to flee by sea. Play 18Chapter 18. A Flood of SunshineHester takes off the A and lets down her hair. Sunshine floods the forest. Play 19Chapter 19. The Child at the Brook SidePearl will not cross the brook until Hester puts the A back on. Play 20Chapter 20. The Minister in a MazeDimmesdale walks home full of strange, wild impulses. Play 21Chapter 21. The New England HolidayOn holiday morning, Hester learns that Chillingworth will sail on the same ship. Play 22Chapter 22. The ProcessionDimmesdale gives a brilliant sermon to the whole town. Play 23Chapter 23. The Revelation of the Scarlet LetterOn the scaffold he shows his own secret and dies in Hester's arms. Play 24Chapter 24. ConclusionWhat became of Chillingworth, Pearl and Hester. Play Listen to The Scarlet Letter free
