Chapters 16-19

Chapters 16-19 mark a significant change in The Scarlet Letter.  It now seems as though things will end well for Hester and Dimmsdale, and the burden of secret sin will be lifted off of their chests.  In these chapters, Hawthorne uses sunlight on Pearl and Hester to represent this.  As Pearl and Hester enter the forest, sunlight shines on an energetic Pearl, but Hester is remaining withing the shadows.  I viewed the sunlight as representing the innocence of youth, characteristics of which Pearl embody.  Hester, with her scarlet letter, seems far from this, finally about to reveal the truth about Chillingworth, which she has avoided for so long.  However, after Hester and Dimmesdale plan on going to Europe, the sun finally shines down on her as she takes off the scarlet letter and lets her hair down. At this point, there is a distinct change in both Hester's character and the mood of the story and the dark and coldness have parted, and have been replaced with a lighter mood. For the first time, Hester and Dimmesdale are truly happy, and the idea of living together in Europe relieves a large burden, and makes them appear young and passionate once again. However, when Pearl insists that Hester put the scarlet letter back on, Hester appears sullen and older, and the mood reverts back to the way it was before.