The Scarlet Letter

what are the various versions of what was seen on Dimmesdale's chest?

The Scarlet Letter

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a stigmata (miracle)........... Chapter 23

"Most of the spectators testified to having seen, on the breast of the unhappy minister, a SCARLET LETTER." Chapter 24

Others believed that "old Roger Chillingworth, being a potent necromancer, had caused it to appear, through the agency of magic and poisonous drugs." Chapter 24

And others believed that "the awful symbol was the effect of the ever active tooth of remorse, gnawing from the inmost heart outwardly, and at last manifesting Heaven's dreadful judgment by the visible presence of the letter." Chapter 24

Source(s)

The Scarlet Letter/ Chapters 23 and 24