The Scarlet Letter, Chapter 23 summary
Chapter 23 of 25 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 23, Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale interrupts the procession after his celebrated sermon, mounts the scaffold with Hester Prynne and Pearl, and publicly admits his hidden guilt before exposing his breast. His confession breaks Roger Chillingworth’s hold over him, brings Pearl to kiss her father, and ends with his death before the stunned crowd.
What happens
- The crowd praises Dimmesdale’s sermon, while his failing strength becomes visible as he walks in the ceremonial procession.
- Dimmesdale stops beside the scaffold, calls Hester and Pearl to him, and rejects Chillingworth’s attempt to prevent his confession.
- With Hester’s support and Pearl’s hand in his, he climbs the scaffold and declares his concealed guilt to the people.
- He exposes his breast, whose appearance the narrator does not describe, then collapses as Chillingworth admits that his victim escapes him.
- Pearl kisses her father and weeps, while Hester asks whether she and Dimmesdale can share eternity.
- Dimmesdale calls his suffering divine mercy, gives his farewell, and dies as the crowd responds with wordless awe.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Dimmesdale chooses public responsibility while he still has strength. His declaration turns the celebration of his holiness into an admission of concealed guilt.
Quick check
Where does Chillingworth say Dimmesdale can escape him?
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