The Scarlet Letter #4

"'Nevertheless, I will enter,' replied Hester Prynne, and the bond-servant, perhaps, judging from the decision of her air, and the glittering symbol on her bosom, that she was a great lady in the land, offered no opposition"(Hawthorne 95).

This answers my original question of what would happen should a person not educated in the social customs see the Scarlet Letter. Due to Hester's great care in crafting it, the Scarlet Letter was able to give someone the impression that Hester was important. I also find it interesting that a bond-servant would not know of the Scarlet Letter. I would think a master would educate his servant in social customs, as making the servants appear pleasing to the public would help to raise the opinion of the master. It is particularly odd that a servant of someone of high social standing would be ignorant of his society's marks. By the bond-servant's response, wer learn much of how Hester was viewed before she was branded with the Scarlet Letter. That knowledge makes her situation appear that much more unfortunate.

"'You speak, my friend, with a strange earnestness,' said old Roger Chillingworth, smiling at him"(105).

I believe this quote may signify that Chillingworth is beginning to suspect Dimmesdale. It could be that Chillingworth expected Dimmesdale for some time, and is only more confident in his belief after Dimmesdale's defense of Hester. After all, Chillingworth is known for his ability to read people and in this chapter it was revealed that he is close friends with Dimmesdale. With this knowledge, I find it highly unlikely that Dimmesdale will not be caught. Perhaps Chillingworth already knows, and is simply feigning ignorance in the hopes of finding a way to cause Dimmesdale to experience an even deeper feeling of hurt. The only thing that would surprise me is if Chillingworth does not suspect Dimmesdale at all.