Previous
Chapter 18
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
Dimmesdale says he feared that Pearl's resemblance to him would give away his secret—the narrator says Pearl is a "living hieroglyphic." Yet Pearl refuses to come to her parents when they call. Hester attributes her reluctance to the absence of the scarlet letter on her bosom. Hester puts the letter back on and Pearl accepts her.
Pearl's refusal to return to her mother suggests that sin, the scarlet letter, is a part of her mother's identity and cannot just be thrown away. It can't be run from.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
Pearl asks if Dimmesdale will return with them hand in hand to town. Hester says he won't join them in public yet. Dimmesdale kisses Pearl. She runs to the brook to wash off his kiss.
Pearl won't accept Dimmesdale as her father unless he will publicly accept her. Pearl, at one with nature, always favors honesty and openness.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
