Chapter 11
Why does Chillingworth continue to play mind games with Dimmesdale even though he knows what Dimmesdale did?
He wants to make his revenge as terrible as possible to put Dimmesdale through horrible suffering and agony.
In Dimmesdale's delirium, who joins him on the scaffold?
Hester and Pearl hold hands with Dimmesdale forming an "electric chain" (Hawthorne 137).
How old is Pearl in this chapter?
Pearl is 7 years old
What is the good news that Chillingworth tells Hester?
The town fathers allow her to take the scarlet letter off.
Why is Hester unnerved by Pearl's perceptiveness of the scarlet letter?
Pearl connects Hester's scarlet letter with Dimmesdale habit of clutching his hand over his chest.
What does Dimmesdale do to try and punish himself for the sin he committed?
He scourges himself with a whip, he fasts and holds extended vigils.
When does Dimmesdale say he is going to stand with Hester and Pearl? Why?
At the great and judgement day. That is when Dimmesdale says he, Hester, and Pearl will stand together before God (Hawthorne 138).
What do the townspeople say the "A" on Hester's chest means now?
Who does Hawthorne say Chillingworth turned into?
Hawthorne says that Chillingworth's constant desire for revenge transformed him into a devil.
What does Pearl do with the eelgrass?
She puts in in the shape of an "A" except it is green instead of red.
What is the significance of Dimmesdale deciding to hold a vigil at the scaffold?
Here, he remembers Hester's punishment, and he feels deep remorse, and he wants to confess his sins but he can't bring himself to do so.
In Dimmesdale's fantasy, why does Pearl mock him with childish gibberish?
She is punishing him for his refusal to stand in public with Pearl and her mother.
What causes the townspeople to change their views of Hester?
She brings food to the poor, nurses the sick, and is an aid in times of trouble.
Chillingworth says to Hester, "Let the black flower blossom as it may" (Hawthorne 156). What does the black flower symbolize?
The black flower represents the punishment of sin and guilt.
After Hester's conversation with Chillingworth, why does she rebuke herself for sinning?
She hated her husband, and hatred is a sin.
"And now, through the chamber which these spectral thoughts had made so ghastly, glided Hester Prynne, leading along little Pearl in her scarlet garb, and pointing her forefinger, first at the scarlet letter on her bosom, and then at the clergyman's own breast" (Hawthorne 130). Using this passage from Dimmesdale's dream and Chillingworth's experience, what can you conclude about what is on Dimmesdale's chest?
Dimmesdale has a symbol on his chest relating to Hester's "A" on her chest, confirming Chillingworth's suspicion that Dimmesdale is Hester's lover.
After the governor died, the townspeople saw a red letter "A" in the sky. What did the sexton say it represented? What did Dimmesdale think of it?
The Sexton said it meant angel. Dimmesdale saw another symbol, that of the scarlet letter, making him feel guilty (Hawthorne 140).
What is Chillingworth doing when Hester and Pearl see him on the peninsula?
He is collecting medical plants for his patients.
What is the only thing that will make the scarlet letter fall of Hester's chest?
Divine Providence is the only way to remove the scarlet letter, according to Hester.
Why does elf-child Pearl feel remorse after throwing pebbles at birds?
"It grieved her to have done harm to a little being that was as wild as the sea breeze, or as wild as Pearl herself" (Hawthorne 160).
"Calm, gentle, passionless as he appeared, there was yet, we fear, a quiet depth of malice, hitherto latent, but active now, in this unfortunate old man, which led him to imagine a more intimate revenge than any mortal had ever wreaked upon an enemy" (Hawthorne 125). Based on the time that this is written, what religious figure is portrayed through Chillingworth's description?
Satan is portrayed through Chillingworth's description and actions, which are dark and revengeful; opposite of Puritan values.
What causes Dimmesdale to scream aloud on the scaffold? Why?
There is a pain in his chest. This happens on the scaffold because it reminds Dimmesdale of the sins he committed.
What does Hester inquire about humans?
She questioned womanhood. "Was existence worth accepting, even to the happiest among them?"
Who is blamed for Chillingworth's evil transformation?
Chillingworth blames Hester for his evil transformation.
What does Hester tell Pearl after Pearl asks why she wears the scarlet letter?
She wears the scarlet letter "for the sake of the gold thread" (Hawthorne 163).