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Chapter 14
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Scarlet Letter, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Sin
Individuality and Conformity
Puritanism
Nature
The Occult
Summary
Analysis
As Chillingworth departs, Hester thinks that though it's a sin, she hates Chillingworth for tricking her into thinking she'd be happy as his wife.
She rejoins Pearl by the seaside. Pearl has arranged seaweed to form a letter "A" on her own chest. She pleads with Hester to tell her what the scarlet letter means, and asks if Hester wears it for the same reason Dimmesdale covers his heart with his hand.
Pearl senses that understanding the letter's significance is crucial to understanding herself and her connection to Dimmesdale.
Themes
Literary Devices
Quiz
Test Yourself
Hester lies and says she wears the letter because of its beautiful gold thread. Pearl, knowing better, seeks the real reason, and Hester threatens to punish her.
After advocating that Chillingworth be honest, Hester is "false" to her daughter.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
