Chapter 7 Summary Taken from Sparks Notes The Scarlet Letter Chapter 7 Summary Taken from Sparks Notes

Hester pays a visit to Governor Bellingham’s mansion Hester pays a visit to Governor Bellingham’s mansion. She has two intentions: to deliver a pair of ornate gloves she has made for the governor, and to find out if there is any truth to the rumors that Pearl, now three, may be taken from her.

Some of the townspeople, apparently including the governor, have come to suspect Pearl of being a sort of demon-child.

The townspeople reason that if Pearl is a demon-child, she should be taken from Hester for Hester’s sake. And, they reason, if Pearl is indeed a human child, she should be taken away from her mother for her own sake and given to a “better” parent than Hester Prynne.

On their way to see the governor, Hester and Pearl are attacked by a group of children, who try to fling mud at them. Pearl becomes angry and frightens the children off.

The governor’s mansion is stuffy and severe The governor’s mansion is stuffy and severe. It is built in the style of the English aristocracy, complete with family portraits and a suit of armor, which the governor has worn in battles with the Native Americans.

Pearl is fascinated by the armor Pearl is fascinated by the armor. When she points out her mother’s reflection in it, Hester is horrified to see that the scarlet letter dominates the reflection.

Pearl begins to scream for a rose from the bush outside the window, but she is quieted by the entrance of a group of men.