Most Vivid Images: Chapters 9-15

1. The first image I come across that seems especially vivid is when Dimmesdale and Chillingworth are having their discussion regarding morals and they sight Hester and Pearl in the graveyard in chapter 10. Dimmesdale is standing at his window after the argument when he hears a familiar laugh coming from the graveyard. Dimmesdale at once recognizes that this is Pearl. She was described as having a look of wild joy at being there. She then threw burrs at Hester's scarlet letter, which stuck. The men then begin talking about Pearl, Chillingworth saying she is an evil child, Dimmesdale saying she could be capable of good nature. Pearl then saw the men, and told Hester they needed to leave before the black man got them like he did the Dimmesdale. This is a vivid image to me because it begins showing that Dimmesdale has a connection with Pearl and Hester. It also shows, through Pearl's viewpoint, that Chillingworth is really an evil man, not the kind, old man that he makes himself out to be.
2. The second image I believe is extremely vivd is that of when Chillingworth uncovers what Dimmesdale is hiding on his chest in chapter 10. The same afternoon as the argument over morals, Dimmesdale and Chillingworth go to their respective parts of the house. Dimmesdale begins reading a large book that causes him to fall asleep. Although he is normally a very light sleeper, he was deeply asleep and barely moved. Chillingworth then takes the opportunity to find out what is ailing Dimmesdale because he has never found out in the many years he has been Dimmesdale's doctor. Chillingworth sneaks into Dimmesdale's room, and very easily, moves his shirt away from his chest. The book does not say what he found, but it was enough to make him dance around in joy. This is a vivid image to me because it is the proof that Chillingworth is trying to destroy Dimmesdale for a reason unknown to anyone but him at the time.