Wow! Lots
happens.
I think the central thing that happens is that the two lovers meet
and actually touch for the first time in 7 years. This has always struck me as one of the most
tender/romantic scenes in all literature. After 7 years of shame for(at least in the public's
eyes) and 7 years of self-torture for , they can just be themselves in each other's eyes ... no
critical old ladies, no peering , no judgment ... just each other's company. This is the point
at which Arthur is able to just be himself for th first time in 7 years in the presence of the
only person to know his sin. It's the only time that Hester can be in contact with the man who
I suspect she has desired to comfort each day for the past year.
Sadly, it's
the time that Hester must confess that she has subject Arthur to the machinations of
Chillingworth because of the somewhat hasty pledge she made to keep their "secret."
Inadvertently she has made it possible for Chillingworth to work his "magic" on
Dimmesdale. Arthur's momentary anger frees her from her own guilt.
And then
there's , the "living" Scarlet Letter. When Hester tries to throw off the letter and
become just Hester, Pearl no longer recognizes her; you can throw off the off the symbol, but
you can't throw off the history.
Lots more going on in this chapter, but this
should be enough ... it's one of my favorite chapter in all literature.
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