We see how Hathorne's story challenges this time. His story takes an idea highly frowned upon, and brings it to a reality for the people.

I was surprised to see that Scarlet's husband (Roger Chillingworth) and her lover (Rev. Dimmesdale) were friends in the story. I bet that made it akward for her. Even more ironic, she committed adultery with a minister. I feel by the end of chapter 8, Scarlet's husband knows exactly who Pearl's father is, and isn't wanting to outright accuse the minister.

I'm thinking so far the story is showing how you can't judge others and label people. That nobody is exactly what you think, and you need to just accept them how they are, with both the good and the bad.

 

 

 

basically, Dimmsdale is going nuts.I think its Chillingsworths fault, since he's the doctor, I think he's making the rev. crazy. Chillingsworth is trying to find Pearls real daddy, and thinks its Dimmsdale (hince the insanity) but has no proof of it, and is trying to drive him crazy until he fesses up to it.Well, Dimmsdale really goes psycho, and starts beating himself, yet the towns people see him as a "miracle of holyness". (Even though he's got an illegitimate child...) By this time, Hester has been accepted by society, and is making clothing in the town. The scarlet "A" now stands for "able" since she is able to do stuff in the society. Also, Dimmsdale admits to himself, and accepts the fact that he is Pearls father, and is trying to do more for her.

Its still ironic the minister is holy to the town, yet, isn't that holy.

everyone in the town probably thought about another man/woman at some point in time - but because Hester was caught, it was a sin.

I'd like to know how the town reacts once they see that Dimmsdale is Pearl's father. (I've never read the book)

In the first 9 chapters, the book was just about punishing Hester and making her feel guilty. By ch. 14, the town has accepted her, and letting her do good.