Hester
What does Hester realize after the death of Dimmesdale?
That she will never find love again
How has Dimmesdale's appearance changed?
He goes from being sick to being better
At what moment was the "spell" on Pearl broken?
When she kisses Dimmesdale "Pearl kissed his lips. The spell was broken." pg.222
How has Chillingworth interfered with Hesters plans?
He is going with Hester and Dimmesdale on the ship to Bristol.
Who says "My God Forgive thee!" said ... "Thou, too, hast deeply sinned!"
The Minister
What news does Hester receive from the ships captain?
She is told that Chillingworth is going to be on the boat, which ultimately suggests a conflict will be coming up.
What are Dimmesdale's last words?
He tells Hester not to speak and that if they are meant to be together god will make the decision. At the end he is really sorry for his sin.
What becomes of Pearl?
Pearl became the "richest heiress of her day, in the New World."
Frustrated by the confession and withers away and dies within a year
What moral does the narrator say is central to the story?
"Be true! Be true! Be true!" The inability of Dimmesdale to be honest is pointed to as the central cause of the ongoing stress.
What does Hester answer when Dimmesdale says, "Is not this better... than what we dreamed of in the forest?"
Hester answers that no, this is not better, because now they will all die.
What is the topic and mood of Dimmesdale's sermon?
Very passionate and about the relationship of God to the Puritan community.
What is the significance of Pearl's comment on the behavior of Reverend Dimmesdale?
Pearl questions why they cannot hold their hands in public. This shoes how Dimmesdale will never be open about his sin.
What happens to Chillingworth? What does he give Pearl?
Chillingworth shrivels away. He gives Pearl property.
How does Hawthorne further develop the symbolic importance of the scaffold during Dimmesdale's sermon?
The scarlet letter starts burning which shows the connection and guilt of the two.
(More of an opinionated prompt) The wearing of the scarlet letter was intended to isolate Hester Prynne from society and to call attention to her sin. Given the way in which Hester's life ends, do you think that the scarlet letter accomplished what the magistrates intended?
The scarlet letter did not accomplish what the magistrates intended. People saw Hester as someone who has been through a hard trial and go to her for advice, instead of casting her out.
Who does the young woman that Dimmesdale sees after meeting Hester and Pearl in the forest remind him of? "The arch-fiend whispered him to condense into a small compass and drop into her tender bosom a germ of evil that would sure to blossom darkly soon, and bare black fruit betimes (early) (pg. 191-192)
Hester, he worries that if he pauses to talk to her he will corrupt her just as he corrupted Hester. The young woman is new to the church just as Hester was, and she is attracted to him just as Hester was. He is tempted to use this against her.
Pearl has a big effect on Dimmesdale. She questions him and he loves her very much. Because of her questions it caused Dimmesdale to want to confess more.
What is Chillingworth's reaction when Dimmesdale approaches the scaffold? Explain Chillingworth's statement, "There was no one place... where thou couldst have escaped me -- save on this very scaffold!"
Chillingworth is angry and surprised as Dimmesdale approaches the scaffold. Chillingworth's statement means that the only way he could escape him is by confessing his sin on that scaffold.
How does Hawthorne use the setting of the last chapter to illustrate themes of shame/guilt and responsibility?
By setting Dimmesdale's final revelation on the scaffold and placing Hester and Pearl next to him
Why do you suppose Hester returns to Salem? What might be Hawthorne's point about sin, repentance and redemption?
She may feel a need to complete her repentance at the sight of the sin in order to gain redemption.
Who said this? "But he hid it cunningly from men, and walked among you with the mien of a spirit, mournful, because so pure in a sinful world!--and sad, because he missed his heavenly kindred! Now, at the death-hour, he stands up before you! He bids you look again at Hesters's scarlet letter! He tells you, that, with all its mysterious horror, it is but the shadow of what he bears on his own breast, and that even this, his old red stigma, is no more than the type of what has seared his inmost heart! Stand any here that question God's judgement on a sinner? Behold! Behold a dreadful witness of it!"
What does Hawthorne say Pearl's tears symbolize?
The pledge that she would grow up with joy and sorrow and still be a woman in the world. Pearl's errand as a messenger of anguish was fulfilled.
What does Chillingworth say to Dimmesdale when he walks in?
He welcomes Dimmesdale home and asks if he needs to help for his Election Sermon. He also thinks Dimmesdale looks pale and should rest because he doesn't want his people to think he'll be dead in a year.
The Puritans fled Europe out of the desire to live in a place where they would not need to hide their religious affiliations or fear the sanctions of others. Within the novel, they simply seem to have recreated the old order in the new world. This is highlighter in this chapter by the...?
"Elizabethan spendor" of the Election Day celebration.