The Final Chapter of The Scarlet Letter: A Revelation of Truth

TLDRIn the conclusion of The Scarlet Letter, the truth about Dimmesdale's chest mark remains ambiguous. Chillingworth dies, leaving Pearl a great fortune. Hester and Pearl leave Boston, but Hester returns later to spend the rest of her life helping others. She is buried next to Dimmesdale under a headstone with an A. The novel emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's moral compass.

Key insights

The truth about Dimmesdale's chest mark is left open to interpretation.

💰Chillingworth's death results in Pearl inheriting a large fortune.

🚪Hester and Pearl leave Boston, but Hester later returns to help others.

💀Hester is buried next to Dimmesdale under a headstone with an A.

🔑The novel emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's moral compass.

Q&A

What is the conclusion of The Scarlet Letter?

The conclusion of The Scarlet Letter sees the truth about Dimmesdale's chest mark remaining ambiguous. Chillingworth dies and leaves Pearl a great fortune. Hester and Pearl leave Boston, but Hester returns later to spend the rest of her life helping others. She is ultimately buried next to Dimmesdale under a headstone with an A.

What happens to Pearl in the end of The Scarlet Letter?

After Chillingworth's death, Pearl inherits a great fortune and becomes America's richest heiress. She is left with a bright future.

Does Hester return to Boston in The Scarlet Letter?

Yes, Hester returns to Boston after a few years and puts The Scarlet Letter back on. She spends the rest of her life helping people and making amends for her past.

What does the headstone with the letter A symbolize?

The headstone with the letter A symbolizes the connection and shared sin between Hester and Dimmesdale. It represents their guilt and serves as a reminder of their past actions.

What is the central theme of The Scarlet Letter?

The central theme of The Scarlet Letter is the importance of staying true to one's moral compass. The novel emphasizes the consequences of straying from one's principles and the impact of guilt and sin on individuals.

Timestamped Summary

00:09The final chapter of The Scarlet Letter is called 'Conclusion'. The truth about Dimmesdale's chest mark is left ambiguous.

00:36Chillingworth dies and leaves Pearl a great fortune, making her the richest heiress in America.

00:46Hester and Pearl leave Boston, but Hester later returns and spends the rest of her life helping others.

00:53Hester is buried next to Dimmesdale under a headstone with an A, symbolizing their shared sin.

01:00The novel emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's moral compass.