Characters
Which character in the story is branded with the Scarlet Letter as punishment for committing infidelity on their spouse and producing a child from the affair?
Hester Prynne
In what setting does the story The Scarlet Letter begin?
The Prison-Door/ Prison
The Scarlet Letter is a major symbol within The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. What does this scarlet letter “A” symbolize in the text?
Adultery or Adulteress
Hester is forced to support Pearl on her own. During the seventeenth, a woman’s position in life was strictly defined, and single motherhood, especially resulting from adultery, was treated harshly.Eventually, Hester is able to break free from these gendered restrictions in her community. Which central idea best aligns to this statement?
The Role of Women
Read the statement below. What type of figurative language is being used?
“The town beadle appeared first, looking like a black shadow emerging into the sunlight. “ (Hawthorne 3)
Simile
Which of the following characters has a complicated past relationship with Hester, yet does not choose to reveal his identity or connection to her or her shame?
Roger Chillingworth
What is the author's purpose in comparing the description of the Prison to the Rose Bush and Nature surrounding it?
To introduce the central idea of sins and forgiveness in nature.
The setting of the scaffold creates three significant scenes in the book. What does this platform symbolize for both the characters and Puritan community in the text?
Moral Judgement and Repentance
Hester, who openly admits her sin, withstands and then triumphs over her punishment, and she lives a full life. However, Dimmesdale who conceals his sin, faces a different, harsher destiny. Many of the other characters suffer for their sins as well throughout the text. Which central idea best describes this description?
The Consequence of Sin
Read the statement below. What type of figurative language is being used?
“My imagination was a tarnished mirror. It would not reflect, or only with miserable dimness, the figures with which I did my best to people it” (Hawthorn 42).
Metaphor
Which of the following characters is described as more of a faerie or elf than a human for their mischievous personality, feels most at ease playing in the forest, and is represented as a living version of Hester’s Scarlet Letter?
Pearl
Another central setting in the story is the Scaffold. How is it Described?
It was a wooden platform that stood on the pillory, a device that held the human head steady, exhibiting it to the public gaze. The very idea of shame was embodied in this frame of wood and iron.
Which symbol in The Scarlet Letter creates a sense of sanctuary from the puritanical judgment and persecution, is a place where truths are revealed, and acts as a playground for Pearl?
Nature
Pearl is mischievous and uncontrollable, a symbol of purity and worth, and also a reminder of Hester’s sin. She represents the tie Hester has with her past that cannot be broken or avoided. What central idea best describes this description of Pearl and Hester?
The Child as a Reflection of the Parent
Read the statement below. What type of figurative language is being used?
“But I can love her, so she has the power to punish me for my sin a million times over. You will not take her! I will die first!” (Hawthorne 33).
Hyperbole
Which of the following characters becomes romantically involved with Hester, but grows so anxious from keeping their affair a secret from the community and ministry that he grows visibly pale, thinner, and ill.
Reverend Author Dimmesdale
What does the Scaffold represents as a symbol in the Puritan community?
The scaffold symbolizes ruthless moral judgment and repentance
The prison is a pinnacle setting in The Scarlet Letter. While the prison is a physical location in the novel, what other types of imprisonment are symbolized in the text?
Physical and Psychological Imprisonment
After seven years of secrecy, Dimmesdale finally confesses his sin immediately before he dies. Understand that Dimmesdale conceals his sin because he is ashamed for his deed, and he fears being punished and exiled. Which central idea best describes this description?
Fear and Shame as a Single Emotion
What is the definition of an Allusion?
An included historical reference to other books, events, or people
Which of the following characters is described as a cheerful and pious leader of the Puritan Community, whose education and experience makes him a studied lawyer, soldier, statesman, and businessman? This character also takes special interest in judging Hester during her public trial and as a parent for Pearl.
Governor Bellingham
What are two instances of Conflict or Major problems that have been discovered in our readings of Chapters 1-10?
1. Hester's affair leading to her pregnancy with Pearl causes her to be branded as an Adulteress in the community.
2. Chillingworth reappearing in Hester's life, threatening to take revenge on her lover
3. Governor Bellingham planning to remove Pearl from Hester's care
Which of the following symbols mentioned in the text is instrumental in emphasizing the mood and tone throughout the novel?
Color
As stated by the central idea "The Dualistic Nature of Humankind", Which of the following characters in The Scarlet Letter demonstrate both virtuous and immoral actions, should not be labeled as particularly good or bad, and have realistic beliefs, choices, and behaviors throughout the story?
Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth
Read the statement below. What type of figurative language is being used?
“It was as if Nature had taken pity and offered some beauty to the criminals walking in to serve their terms or heading out to face their executions.” (Hawthorne 1)
Personification