Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Scarlet Letter slowly escalates to the climax beginning in Chapter 16. I'll identify each of the significant events leading up to this point with a brief touch of analysis to better explain why / how they stand out:
Pearl, after having asked discussed "the Black Man's mark" with Hester, acknowledges that Dimmesdale is physically fixated with the same area of his chest. With this interaction, both Pearl and the reader have tangibly identified the link between Hester, Dimmesdale, and their shared sin.
Hester and Dimmesdale plan to escape together to Boston. In this moment, Hester and Dimmesdale's trajectory sharply changes from the co-existant state that they have existed in since Hester's pregnancy was revealed. It indicates a shift in both characters' perspectives that they deserve their punishment.
Chillingworth discovers Dimmesdale and Hester's plan and foils it by joining the ship's passenger list as well. This action motivates Dimmesdale to later reveal the A carved into his chest (the climax), an act he may very well never have resorted to if the promise of escape still tantalized him.
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