Chapters 20-22

While reading these chapters I had many mixed emotions. Certain aspects of the novel came to a close such as Dimmesdale's transformation, however my distaste for Chillingworth developed more as I completed these chapters. Overall, I have enjoyed reading The Scarlet Letter thus far. I enjoy the way that Hester's dark passenger has developed throughout the coarse of the novel, as each chapter has progressed it has become more and more subtle to society yet more so apparent to her and Pearl. Pearl's on going persistence to the significance to the letter is interesting because I am curious as to how Nathaniel Hawthorne is going to reveal it's ugly face to her. I also found it interesting as to how as soon as it appears that Hester is going to find closure by moving to Europe where she can start again, Hawthorne reveals that Chillingworth will be accompanying them, the one member of society who knows the truth of Hester and Dimmesdale.
     I found a lot of aspects of these chapters interesting, however one aspect that stood out to me was the imagery and symbolism that is apparent between the light of day and darkness. The idea of darkness has been present throughout the novel with the notion of the black man and the darkness inside everyone. These dark images contrast sharply with the lightness apparent while in the public eye where truth is often disguised. A spot in the novel where truth is hidden by the apparent darkness is when Hester and Pearl see Dimmesdale in the market place, it says "'Mother,' said she, 'was that the same minister that kissed me by the brook?' 'Hold thy peace, dear little pearl!' whispered her mother. 'We must not always talk in the market-place of what happens to us in the forest"'(Hawthorne 215). Secrecy is evident in the previous passage where Hester begins to emulate to Pearl that what is said in darkness should remain in darkness. I found this interesting because Pearl continues to inquire about the evident darkness in her life, however she cannot seem to get a solid response from her mother and I think Pearl is becoming suspicious as to why the truth can only be spoken of far away from civilization. This shows how the forest represents Hester's darkness and the forest also gives off a sense of security because it is the only place where it is safe enough to talk about the truth. This passage further illustrates the notion that has been evident throughout the novel that truth can only be found within darkness but when the clouds part and you are in the public eye everyone reverts to lies and secrecy. Another quote that stuck out to me was at the end of chapter 21 when pearl sees Roger Chillingworth across the market-place. This moment and the events leading up to it caused me to develop an even further dislike for Chillingworth because his plot to hatch revenge on Hester and Dimmesdale has completely consumed his whole life. It is like Roger has turned into a different person and may be carrying a dark passenger of his own, everyone has one but his is more significant than before. I found it interesting how Hawthorne decided to have Chillingworth go on the boat to Europe with Hester and Dimmesdale. As a reader your expecting for Hester to find that closure and that is ultimately what you want at this point especially for Pearl. Hawthorne throws the idea at the reader that Chillingworth may be more persistent and have more of a dark passenger than we the readers may have initially thought. The negative aire towards Chillingworth is evident when Hawthorne says "Nothing further passed between the mariner and Hester Prynne. But, at that instant, she beheld old Roger Chillingworth himself, standing in the remotest corner of the market-place and smiling on her; a smile which- across the wide and bustling square, and through all the talk and laughter, and various thoughts, moods, and interests of the crowd- conveyed secret and fearful meaning"(Hawthorne 210). The transformation and gradual sneaky, sinister, evil persona that Chillingworth has developed throughout he coarse of the novel comes to a head at the end of chapter 21. I think that by describing Chillingworth in this way, Hawthorne is ruining some of the hopes for the reader that maybe finally Hester will put her sins and past behind her and in this regard it could limit her from going to Europe and finally breaking off from the puritan society that is seems she has found herself lost in.
     The gossamer thread from the world today that I chose to connect to this book was the scandal that transpired over the past summer with Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice. Since Rice has entered the league, he has established himself as one of the most consistent and dominant half backs while earning his spot on the roster for 3 pro bowls. Over the past summer, Rice's heroic status was shot down when a video was released of him one punching and knocking out his fiancée after she spit on him. This is very similar to The Scarlet Letter because this caused Rice to be shunned and thought down off as the bottom of society for committing such an act. Similarly to Hester, Rice was the talk of the town so to speak and it appeared that there would be no light at the end of the tunnel for the young running back. Another way that Rice is similar to the novel is that when news came out of the incident, Rice was at serious risk of losing his job. Had the information about Hester and Dimmesdale come out then Dimmesdale would be in the same shoes as Ray Rice where his job would be on the line. The last way that Rice's scandal relates to The Scarlet Letter is the idea that time heals all wounds. Ray Rice is no longer the talk of the town and his name and his issues are no longer brought up. Similarly to how after Hester secluded herself, people began to talk of her less and less to the point where it no longer came up. Rice has since re entered the league and will continue to be a dominant force across the field where he is regarded as one of the nations top running backs.