An Analysis of
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THE NEW ENGLAND HOLIDAY
An Analysis of Chapter 21
Tone
Solemn, Reflective, With An Undercurrent Of Tension And Impending Revelation.
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relaxed - (2) | Crystal-clear - (5) | There's some - (3) | None - (1) | Moderate - (3) |
Basically...
Hester Prynne and her daughter, Pearl, join the bustling market-place for a public holiday where the new governor will be received. Amidst the crowd, Hester remains an isolated figure due to the scarlet letter, while Pearl is lively and curious about the festivities.
In more detail...
On a public holiday to welcome the new governor, Hester Prynne and Pearl enter the lively market-place, which is crowded with townspeople and visitors. Hester's gray attire renders her almost invisible were it not for the scarlet letter, while Pearl's vibrant dress reflects her vibrant personality. The festivity is a rare instance of mirth in Puritan society. Pearl questions the unusual activities, unaware of their significance. Hester instructs her to observe without interacting, noting the procession of notables. Pearl makes insightful observations about the adults' contradictory behaviors, particularly Reverend Dimmesdale's. The chapter concludes with a disturbing encounter between Hester and a shipmaster, who reveals that Roger Chillingworth will be joining their intended voyage, and Hester sees Chillingworth smiling sinisterly from across the marketplace.
Characters
- Hester Prynne
- About - Hester dresses plainly for the holiday, her presence defined by the scarlet letter. She guides Pearl through the crowd, and has a troubling exchange with the shipmaster, learning Chillingworth will join their voyage.
- Personality Traits - Hester is stoic, composed, and exudes a sense of remove from the world around her, as if encapsulated in her own solitude.
- Physical Characteristics - Hester is dressed in a coarse gray cloth that blends with her surroundings, except for the scarlet letter that marks her out.
- Character Connections
- Pearl - Hester's bright and spirited young daughter, towards whom she exhibits protective and caring affection.
- Roger Chillingworth - Hester's estranged husband, whom she recognizes in the crowd and learns will be accompanying them on their voyage.
- Pearl
- About - Pearl is energetic and dressed brightly for the holiday. She is curious about the festivities and makes pointed observations about the adults around her, including her own mother and the minister.
- Personality Traits - Pearl is lively, inquisitive, and seems to intuit the undercurrents of adult behavior that she cannot fully understand.
- Physical Characteristics - Pearl is brightly dressed, standing out from Hester and the crowd, reflective of her youthful vitality and spirit.
- Character Connections
- Hester Prynne - Pearl's mother, and the subject of her care and attention amidst the chaos of the marketplace.
- Roger Chillingworth
- About - Chillingworth does not interact directly in this chapter but is mentioned by the shipmaster as joining Hester and Pearl's voyage. He smiles sinisterly at Hester from a distance, suggesting he is aware of their plans.
- Personality Traits - His smile implies dark intentions and a certain contemplation full of malice.
- Physical Characteristics - Not directly described in this chapter, but he is recognized by Hester from a distance.
- Character Connections
- Hester Prynne - His estranged wife, whom he seems to be plotting against.
- Shipmaster
- About - The shipmaster speaks with Hester, inadvertently revealing that Chillingworth will be aboard their vessel, and engages with various townspeople.
- Personality Traits - Seems to be friendly and somewhat carefree, as he freely interacts with Hester despite her stigma.
- Physical Characteristics - Not detailed in this excerpt.
- Character Connections
- Hester Prynne - He informs Hester about the additional passenger on their voyage, Chillingworth.