Setting
Symbolism
Symbolism and Plot
Plot and Characters
Characters
100
The story takes place in:
Boston
100

“It may serve, let us hope, to symbolize some sweet moral blossom that may be found along the track or relieve the darkening close of a tale of human frailty and sorrow” refers to:

a rose

100
Which best describes the symbolic meaning of the name Pearl?
of great price
100
When Chillingsworth suggests that Hester remove her letter, she says:
When the time comes, it will fall off
100
Whose most serious sin is that he allows his mind to become overpowered by a desire for revenge
Chillingsworth
200
Dimmesdale dies where?
On the scaffold
200

In the course of the story, the scarlet letter is interpreted in as three different 'A' words. What are they?

Adulterer Angel Able

200
To Dimmesdale, the “A” means:
A reminder of hidden sin
200

The Puritan community holds many beliefs surrounding the the presence of Dimmesdale’s letter. Name one.

Possible answers: - Chillingsworth inflicted it on him with magic and drugs - The devil made it appear - It gnawed outward from the innermost heart

200
Chillingsworth’s real reason for not revealing his true identity was that he:
Would be better able to discover Hester’s partner in sin
300
Hawthorne suggests in Chapter 1 that when each community was settled, two portions of the soil were allotted to:
A Cemetery and A Prison
300

The forest, as opposed to the community, represented _______________ to Hester and Arthur

freedom

300
Which character best embodies the freedom and innocence of nature?
Pearl
300

Dimmesdale speaks to Hester during the first scaffold scene to convince her to:

Identify Pearl's father

300

Hester’s most memorable quality is her:

Strength of character, Perseverance

400
Hester returned to the town at the end of the novel because:
This was the scene of her sin, and here she hoped to repent
400

Either Pearl or Hester suggests that Hester wears the A for what reason? (There a three-- name one)

Possible answers: - It is because the A is so beautifully embroidered - The A means that Hester is the devil’s woman - Hester wears it for the same reason that Dimmesdale holds his hand over his heart

400
How long has Hester’s husband been away from her ?
2 years
400
Dimmesdale’s confession followed:
the Election Day sermon
400

In his conversation with Chillingsworth, Dimmesdale suggests that men have a valid reason to bury secrets in their hearts and not confess. He argues that:

Only God can judge sin

500
Hester was buried:
Near Dimmesdale
500

Both Dimmesdale and Hester achieve greater compassion through their suffering. What theme does this exemplify?

Possible answers: Anything about empathy, or being able to understand how good people can make mistakes

500

How does the town view Dimmesdale as he grows physically weaker?

With even greater respect

500
How does Hester usually answer Pearl’s questions about the A?
She ignores the question and changes the subject
500
What is considered Dimmesdale's most serious sin?
That he does not acknowledge Pearl as his child.
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