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The Scarlet Letter, Chapter 4 summary

Chapter 4 of 25 · 10 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 4, Roger Chillingworth treats Hester Prynne and her baby in prison, and their private conversation reveals that he is her husband. He admits his part in their unhappy marriage but vows to discover her lover, while Hester swears to keep his own identity secret.

What happens

  1. Master Brackett brings Roger Chillingworth into Hester’s prison room because both she and her baby need medical help.
  2. Hester fears his medicines contain poison, but he soothes the baby and persuades Hester to drink her dose.
  3. Their conversation reveals their marriage, and Chillingworth acknowledges that marrying a young woman who does not love him wrongs her.
  4. Hester refuses to name her lover, and Chillingworth declares that he intends to discover and possess power over him.
  5. Chillingworth demands that Hester conceal their marriage, and she swears to protect his secret.
  6. Hester fears their agreement endangers her soul, but Chillingworth’s answer points away from her.

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In this chapter

HesterChillingworthTheme: Secrecy and truthTheme: Revenge

What to notice

Chillingworth turns Hester’s existing silence into leverage for another secret. Her oath conceals their marriage while he pursues her lover.

Quick check

What does Chillingworth require Hester to swear?

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