Mistress Hibbins
It is commonplace in literature for plots to progress by the actions of the major characters, the antagonists and protagonists. However, minor characters sometimes manifest certain ideals or symbols that make their roles significant. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, Mistress Hibbins, the town witch and Governor Bellingham's sister, appears to be a minor character due to her few appearances in the novel. However, her arrivals are always enigmatic and they trigger remorse in Arthur Dimmesdale and Hester Prynne. Hibbins's clairvoyance and unique abilities influence her relationship with all of the entities with which Hawthorne depicts her interacting. Mistress Hibbins is introduced to the reader in Chapter VIII as Hester is leaving Governor Bellingham's house: "As [Hester and Pearl] descended the steps, it is averred that the lattice of a chamber-window was thrown open, and forth into the sunny day was thrust the face of Mistress Hibbins, Governor Bellingham's bitter-tempered sister, and the same who, a few years later, was executed as a witch." (80-81)Mistress Hibbins lives in her brother's house and she possesses acrid qualities, which ultimately get her killed. The reader learns more about the mysterious Hi
The other Puritan citizens were appalled to see two societal outcasts conversing. We may all see it in the sunshine! And it glows like a red flame in the dark. 'Dost thou think I have been to the forest so many times, and have yet no skill to judge who else has been there? Yea, though no leaf of the wild garlands which they wore while they danced be left in their hair! I know thee, Hester, for I behold the token. Her distinctiveness in society is suggested by Hawthorne's use of a shadow being cast over the novelty of the house. Hibbins introduces a theme in The Scarlet Letter: " 'Wilt thou go with us tonight? There will be a merry company in the forest; and I well nigh promised the Black Man that comely Hester Prynne should make one. led her to do what few of the townspeople would have ventured on; to begin a conversation with the wearer of the scarlet letter, in public. 'Yonder divine man! That saint on earth, as the people uphold him to be, and as -I must needs say - he really looks! Who, now, that saw him pass in the procession, would think how little while it is since he went forth out of his study - chewing a Hebrew text of Scripture in his mouth, I warrant -to take an airing in the forest! Aha! We know what that means, Hester Prynne! . " 'So, reverend Sir, you have made a visit into the forest,' observed the witch-lady, nodding her high head-dress at him. " (81)The first encounter with Hibbins creates uneasiness in the plot. Had they taken her from me, I would willingly have gone with thee into the forest, and signed my name in the Black Man's book too, and that with mine own blood!'" (81) Hibbins is a witch who sneaks into the forest late at night to play with this mysterious Black Man, who is revealed as Roger Chillingworth, the distant husband of Hester. Mistress Hibbins exemplifies the Satan's character and temptation. " 'What is it, good Mistress Hibbins?' eagerly asked little Pearl. " (81)Hibbins is able to predict future events, and Hawthorne suggests that these portents are evil and wicked.
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