Dimmesdale Questions
Who hears Dimmesdale's cry?
Governor Bellingham and Mistress Hibbins
What is the result of Pearl and Dimmesdale's small argument?
She basically tells him that she is disappointed in him for not standing with her and Hester.
Who is standing on the scaffold that night?
Dimmesdale, Pearl, and Hester
What does the sexton hand Dimmesdale as he walks down the scaffold?
A glove
When Pearl asks Dimmesdale if he was going to stand with them on the scaffold the next day at noon, Dimmesdale responds by saying...
He says he is not standing with them tomorrow, but he will on judgement day.
Who is approaching from the deathbed of Governor Winthrop, looking holy and saintlike to Dimmesdale?
Reverend Wilson
The sexton interprets the A as meaning...
and
Dimmesdale interprets the A as meaning...
The sexton interprets the "A" meaning Angel while Dimmesdale interprets the "A" meaning Adultery.
How does Dimmesdale feel as he holds Pearl's hand and why?
He is filled with a new energy as their hands connect. He feels life pouring into him once more.
Why was Hester at Governor Winthrop's house?
She was measuring his body so she could make his burial robe.
What effect does Dimmesdale's vigil have on his career?
He is more successful as a preacher. They find his glove on the scaffold and they think its just the Devil plotting against him.
Why does Pearl pull away from Dimmesdale?
She doesn't trust him yet because he won't stand on the scaffold with them during the day.
Considering the role of Nature in Anti-Transcendental literature, what is the significance of the meteor event?
It is an example of cosmic irony. Dimmesdale sees the meteoric "A" as confirmation that he should also wear a mark of shame while the rest of the town thinks it stands for Angel and marks Governor Winthrop's entry into Heaven.
How is the episode of Dimmesdale's midnight vigil on the scaffold structurally significant?
Even though it is not a public confession, he is finally confessing to himself which is a step toward self-forgiveness.
What is the significance of Pearl's challenge to Dimmesdale?
It makes it clear that Pearl knows there is a connection between her and Dimmesdale, that he acknowledges. It also shows us that Dimmesdale is weak since he won't stand with Hester and Pearl in the daylight.
Although Governor Winthrop is merely mentioned in the book, why would Hawthorne choose this night as the night Dimmesdale stands on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl?
It makes it seem more real meaning it's another reason for the meteor event.