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The Scarlet Letter, Chapter 15 summary

Chapter 15 of 25 · 9 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 15, Hester Prynne admits her hatred of Roger Chillingworth, while Pearl copies her mother’s letter and connects it with the minister’s hand over his heart. Hester considers trusting her daughter with her sorrow, but instead gives a false explanation and harshly tries to stop her questions.

What happens

  1. As Roger Chillingworth gathers plants and leaves, Hester declares her hatred and judges their marriage a wrong he commits against her.
  2. Pearl plays beside the sea, regrets possibly injuring a bird, and makes a green letter A from eelgrass.
  3. Pearl connects Hester’s letter with the minister’s habit of holding his hand over his heart, but cannot explain either.
  4. Hester sees possible sympathy and strength in Pearl and considers sharing some of her sorrow.
  5. Hester claims she wears the letter for its gold thread, but Pearl keeps questioning her through the next morning.
  6. Hester responds more harshly than before and threatens to put Pearl in a dark closet.

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In this chapter

HesterChillingworthTheme: Motherhood and care

What to notice

Pearl connects two signs of hidden suffering without knowing their explanation. Her observation alarms Hester and makes the child’s questions harder to dismiss.

Quick check

What explanation does Hester give Pearl for wearing the scarlet letter?

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