In “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Chapter 22 is titled “The Procession.” Here is a summary of the key events and themes in this chapter:
Chapter 22, “The Procession,” continues the narrative of the Election Day festivities in the Puritan community. Here are the main points:
The chapter opens with the crowd preparing to witness the election procession. Hester and Pearl stand on the outskirts, watching the event unfold. Hester is adorned in her customary scarlet letter, a constant reminder of her sin.
As the procession begins, Governor Bellingham, Reverend Wilson, and other prominent figures march in ceremonial attire. Dimmesdale, who is still tormented by guilt, walks alongside them, attempting to maintain his composure.
Hester and Pearl catch Dimmesdale‘s attention, and they exchange a significant glance. The interaction holds deep meaning for all three characters, as it signifies their shared secret and the emotional connection between them.
During the procession, Pearl becomes a symbol of both innocence and a reminder of Hester’s sin. The townspeople observe her with curiosity and intrigue, perceiving her as an embodiment of the consequences of Hester’s transgression.
Hester’s strength and resilience are evident as she endures the judgmental stares and whispers from the crowd. She maintains her composure and refuses to be cowed by the public’s condemnation.
As the procession reaches its climax, Dimmesdale mounts the scaffold, the same scaffold where Hester stood years ago. In a moment of vulnerability and desperation, he calls out for Hester and Pearl to join him. However, they do not respond, and Dimmesdale is left alone on the scaffold, his confession unspoken.
Chapter 22, “The Procession,” is significant in showcasing the mounting tension and internal struggles of the main characters. It explores themes of guilt, secrecy, and the burden of hidden sin. The chapter also foreshadows the climax of the novel, as Dimmesdale’s mounting internal conflict hints at an impending revelation.
