T.S.L. Chapter 16

T.S.L. Chapter 16

1. Hester waits to honestly speak with Dimmesdale in the forest on his return to Boston

   • On the way through the forest, Pearl notices sunshine avoiding her in a sense
   • This forest is where the the devil is said to be, and where Mistress Hibbins does witchcraft

2. Pearl & Sunshine

   • “Mother,” said little Pearl, “the sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom. . . . It will not flee from me; for I wear nothing on my bosom yet!”
   • Pearl says to Hester that the sunshine does not shine on her because of the scarlet "A"
     • However, she says it shines on her because she doesn't wear anything on her chest

3. The Devil

   • Pearl is fascinated about the "Black Man" and asks Hester about him
     • She was told by an old woman about Hester's "A" being the "mark of the Black Man"
       • Hester confirms this lie behind the "A" to cover up her sin
       • Pearl believes she will get the scarlet "A" after she matures
   • When Dimmesdale appears out of the forest, Pearl asks if he is the "Black Man"
     • Hester exclaims that he is not
       • Pearl connects Dimmesdale and Hester again, believing that the "Black Man" has left his mark on Dimmesdale's chest as well