The Scarlet Letter

Hawthorne's autobiographical preface describing his time as a surveyor in Salem and discovery of Hester Prynne's scarlet letter and records.

Hester Prynne emerges from prison wearing a scarlet letter, confronting a Puritan crowd gathered for her public humiliation.

Hester stands on the pillory while townspeople scrutinize her and demand she reveal her lover's identity.

Hester recognizes her estranged husband Roger Chillingworth in the crowd; he vows secret revenge.

Chillingworth visits imprisoned Hester and her child Pearl, administering medicine and extracting an oath of silence.

Hester settles in a cottage, supporting herself through needlework and gradually earning community respect despite her shame.

Hester's daughter Pearl is described as a beautiful but wayward elf-like child embodying her mother's sin.

Hester visits Governor Bellingham to prevent authorities from removing Pearl; Dimmesdale defends her maternal rights.

Pearl exhibits strange behavior toward Dimmesdale while he and other officials question her understanding of Christian teachings.

Roger Chillingworth establishes himself as a physician and begins investigating Dimmesdale's declining health.

Chillingworth and Dimmesdale become intimates; Chillingworth discovers evidence of Dimmesdale's hidden guilt.

Dimmesdale's growing torment and deterioration are explored; he becomes increasingly tortured by Chillingworth's manipulation.

Dimmesdale stands on the midnight scaffold in anguish; he encounters Hester and Pearl, with a meteor appearing overhead.

Hester's transformation over seven years; she resolves to reveal Chillingworth's true identity to Dimmesdale.

Hester confronts Chillingworth about his revenge and pleads with him to release Dimmesdale.

Hester gathers sea-weed with Pearl and refuses to explain the scarlet letter's meaning to her inquiring child.

Hester encounters Dimmesdale in the forest, away from society's gaze, and resolves to reveal Chillingworth's identity.

Hester and Dimmesdale confess their enduring love in the forest and plan to escape Boston together.

Hester and Dimmesdale experience renewed hope as they plan their escape; Hester removes her scarlet letter.

Pearl refuses to reunite with Hester until she replaces the scarlet letter, proving its symbolic power.

Dimmesdale struggles with temptation upon returning to town but ultimately completes his Election Sermon.

Election Day draws crowds to Boston; Hester and Pearl await Dimmesdale while Chillingworth plots to prevent escape.

The magistrates and Dimmesdale proceed through the market-place; Hester watches from near the scaffold.

Dimmesdale publicly confesses, reveals a scarlet letter on his breast, and dies in Hester and Pearl's arms.

Chillingworth dies; Pearl becomes a wealthy heiress; Hester returns to Boston to wear the letter until her own death.