Chapter 21 Summary

As the stern denizens of Boston get ready for their public holiday, Hester seems back to normal, wearing the gray dress with the emblazoned letter. Today, with her other citizens, she will welcome the new governor to his post. Inwardly, though, Hester is different- for she believes her liberation is at hand. As her daughter walks besides her, she is besieged with questions about the rare spirit of this day. Why have people left their work? Why has the blacksmith washed his face? Pearl is absolutely taken with the idea of a holiday. Pearl has made arrangements to leave with the minister on a ship, at that very minute, in the harbor.

Pearl asks about the Dimmesdale. Hester warns her not to greet him on this day. She asks, again, about the hand held over his heart. All types of people are present...