Chapters 19-21

Chapters 19-21

19. The Child at the Brookside
20. The Minister in a Maze
21. The New England Holiday

Hester and Dimmesdale sit near the brook and discuss Pearl's strong affections and how she will view/handle Dimmesdale in her life. Both parents call for Pearl to cross the brook and join them. Pearl refuses, instead throwing a tantrum. Hester realizes this may be due to her not wearing the letter, which she then grabs and replaces upon her bosom. Pearl is calmed by this and joins the minister and her mother for a moment, but leaves them yet again when they begin planning their escape to Europe.

Dimmesdale and Hester decide that they will flee Boston by ship in three days. Their destination: England. Dimmesdale will still be making the Election Day Sermon. On his return to the town, Dimmesdale feels like a changed man, as if he is free. However, as he encounters people in the village, he is tempted to say shocking and terrible things to them. He is disturbed by these feelings. When he returns home, Dimmesdale informs Chillingworth that he is no longer in need of his medicine. He then burns his original Election Day Sermon, and begins writing a new one.

Many people are gathered in the town marketplace for the election-day ceremonies and celebrations. The market place is packed with the townspeople, Indians, and sailors who have recently arrived in the harbor. Hester is quietly dressed. Pearl is dressed brightly. The Puritans are all dressed in their best garments. The sailors are also all brightly and elaborately dressed. Hester meets with the captain of the vessel they are to take to Europe, and is horrified to discover that Chillingworth will be joining them on board as a physician for the journey.