Having met Arthur Dimmesdale in the forest because she is
determined to speak with the minister about the treachery of Roger Chillingworth, Hester
Prynne begs his forgiveness for not having revealed Chillingworth's true identity. As
Dimmesdale is perplexed about what action he should take, he asks Hester to "Resolve for
me!" She chastises him for his weakness and asks him if his world is only in "yonder
town." Hester suggests that he let the sea take him back to England, but Dimmesdale
cannot bear the thought of going alone. Hester then answers, "Thou shall not go
alone!"
Having promised to accompany him, Hester then looks
into the minister's face with hope and joy."Thou wilt go!" Hester calmly tells
Dimmesdale. After saying this, Dimmesdale is elated and feels resurrected with renewed
powers.
"Let
us not look back," answered Hester Prynne. "The past is gone! Wherefore should we
linger upon it now? See! With this symbol I undo it all, and make it a if it had never
been!"
Hester undoes the
clasp that holds the scarlet letter to her bosom, and she casts it into the forest where
it lands near the little brook by which Pearl has been playing. Relieved of the burden
of her sin, Hester feels freedom from its weight and a womanly radiance comes over her
as she removes her cap and allows her hair to fall. As she does so, it seems that the
richness of her womanly beauty returns to Hester.
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