Characters
The protagonist of The Scarlet Letter
Hester Prynne
Puritanism
Explain Hester and Chillingworth's deal
If Hester keeps the fact that she is married to Chillingworth a secret, then Chillingworth will not harm Dimmesdale or his reputation.
How is the theme of sin/guilt/corruption shown in The Scarlet Letter?
Possible examples: Dimmesdale's secret guilt destroying his soul, Chillingworth becoming corrupted by revenge
When was this book published and who was the author?
1850, Nathaniel Hawthorne
A character who usually holds his hand over his heart
Arthur Dimmesdale
The location of this story - city
Boston, Massachusetts
How does Hester dress Pearl in contrast to how she dresses herself?
Pearl is dressed extravagantly, in bright colors (such as her scarlet dress), while Hester dresses plainly, in gray.
How is the theme of loneliness shown in The Scarlet Letter?
Possible answers: Hester being forced to live alone, Pearl growing up without friends, Dimmesdale having no one to turn to
He was so ashamed of his ancestry (his great grandfather was a judge during the Salem witch trials) that he wanted to distance himself as much as possible from his heritage.
Hester's estranged husband
Roger Chillingworth
The place where Hester stands to receive her punishment
The scaffold
Explain why Hester doesn't just leave Boston after being punished (2 reasons)
1. The father of her child (Dimmesdale) is there.
2. She feels that she has to atone for her sin in the place it was committed.
How is the theme of public humiliation/private shame shown in The Scarlet Letter?
Possible answers: Hester being forced to stand on the scaffold
We know that Hester loves Dimmesdale... does Dimmesdale truly love Hester? Explain your reasoning!
(Teacher approval)
Hester's elfish little daughter
Pearl
The time period of this story
How does Hester change over time in the novel - and how does she change in the eyes of the society around her?
At the beginning of the novel, Hester is a passive character, but she grows stronger through hardship and becomes a strong heroine. She provides for herself and Pearl, stands up to Chillingworth, and bears her punishment with humility and kindness.
Over time, the people of Boston begin to recognize Hester's virtues and treat her with the same kindness that she shows them.
How is the theme of female independence shown in The Scarlet Letter?
Possible answers: Hester as a modern heroine, Hester becoming a seamstress to provide for herself and Pearl, Hester as a single parent, Hester becoming more sure of herself throughout the novel
Why is it important to teach and read The Scarlet Letter in 2026?
(Teacher approval. Potential answers include it being America's first great novel, relevant themes, learning our history, etc.)
The other minister in the town, an older gentleman
Mr. Wilson
The place where Hester lives after her punishment
A little cottage on the outskirts of town
Over the course of the novel, the letter "A" stands for four words. Name three of them.
Adulteress, Able, Angel, and Apostle
How is the theme of empathy shown in The Scarlet Letter?
Possible answers: Hester's empathy towards Dimmesdale, Governor Bellingham's lack of empathy for Hester in trying to take Pearl away, Dimmesdale's empathy for his congregation, Chillingworth's lack of empathy for Dimmesdale
What modern teen comedy film starring Emma Stone retells the story of The Scarlet Letter?
Easy A