When dialogue is used in the novel, which is quite frequently, Hawthorne conveys formal and proper language which assists the reader in understanding the Puritan culture and the ancestry of the Boston inhabitants. In chapter 23, Roger Chillingworth kneels down toward the dying Reverend Dimmesdale and says “Thou hast escaped me!” In response, the reverend says, “Thou, too, hast deeply sinned! (p.232)” When I began the novel and was first introduced to this archaic language, I could only compare it to the language used in the King James version of the Bible. I immediately concluded that the story must have taken place before the English language evolved into what it is today; Hawthorne again wanted to show the “proper ways” of the Puritans, as they relied heavily on the holy text.

The symbolism of the forest outlines Hawthorne’s interest in dichotomy, the belief that everything in the world has two sides; where one is unable to exist without the presence of the other. The relationship of right and wrong plays a key role throughout the novel. Dimmesdale is especially tormented by disobeying all that he represents to the people of his community. Although wrong choices are made by both Hester and Dimmesdale, both characters seek forgiveness by making the right decision. Similarly Dimmesdale is seeking the truth while living a lie. He even says, “Be true, be true, be true,” but his silence leads to his ultimate downfall and ongoing torture from Chillingworth. Hester, in contrast, is forced to tell the truth and in doing so, accepts her wrong doings and proceeds in living her life. As she engaged herself in needlework and mentoring to others, the “A” on her dress was beginning to mean “Able.

The novel ends with a brief explanation of what happens to the main characters in the novel. The reader is never certain about what actually becomes of Pearl, but we do find out that Hester never leaves America. In her cottage on the outskirts of town, she offers comfort and guidance to those seeking help. I can only agree with Hester’s decision to be active in her community because I think it reveals her inner goodness and strength after suffering for as long as she did. And despite her achievement, the end was not joyous and I didn’t feel that sense of completion. A lesson was learned, however, by the characters involved and the people who read this novel. A present-day fable was created to tell to future generations, about a woman who changed a religious society forever.

Hawthorne’s ambiguity works beautifully in the novel and is first evident in the case of Mistress Hibbins. The reader is never told that she is a witch, but her unusual appearances make her seem li

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