Based on the information provided, the suffix –ist here most likely means:
“one who practices”
<u>Explanation:</u>
A suffix is/are a group of letters that are added towards the end of a noun or verb which would add more meaning to the word or also change the function of the word.
Regarding the same, the letters –ist is added to the word science which makes it “scientist” and similarly for atom, making it “atomists”. This changes the meaning of the word by making it belong to a person in the form of an occupation that a person holds.
Answer:
Dimmesdale defends and praises Hester in his speech, which would be very strange behavior for a reverend like him.
Explanation:
Hester has an illegitimate daughter and refuses to say who the child's father is. As she lives in a Puritan society where patriarchy and conservatism reigns, she suffers prejudice and insults from the whole society. However, Reverend Dimmesdale (a cleric who should abolish Hester's sin) gives a speech in favor of Hester, where he praises her and reinforces her qualities. This is very strange behavior, which made the whole community suspicious.
In grammatical sense, the word Prosperity is capitalized due to its use, among the other sentence or the supporting data, the word must have the same form and grammar as the first to make it as one of them to support the subject given by the sentence. I hope you are satisfied with my answer an feel free to ask for more
