Plot-
Characterization-
Setting / Quote 2
Style-
Symbolism / Theme1
100
This is the first topic of conversation between Hester and Dimmesdale in this chapter.
What are shallow "remarks" and discussions regarding the "gloomy sky"? page 188 (hardcover) These topics show just how nervous Hester and Dimmesdale are around each other.
100
Find a quote that well embodies Dimmesdale's character. Explain why it encapsulates Dimmesdale well.
Any answer can be accepted, within reason. "But his character had been so much enfeebled by suffering, that even its lower energies were incapable of more than a temporary struggle. He sank down on the ground, and buried his face in his hands." page 192 (hardcover)
100
Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale meet here at the beginning of the chapter.
What is a secluded forest?
100
Find one or two sentences (in Chapter 17) that embody Hawthorne's characteristic style. Explain how Hawthorne's style is evident in this quote.
Anything answer can be acceptable, as long as you can convince us that it embodies Hawthorne's style.
100
Name any one theme, and cite a quote that perpetuates it.
Revenge. “ ...That old man’s revenge has been blacker than my sin. He has violated, in cold blood, the sanctity of a human heart. Though and I, Hester, never did so!” -Dimmesdale top of page 179 (paperback)
200
What is the huge announcement made by Hester, and what are the exact words used to convey it?
"That old man!--the physician!-- he whom they call Roger Chillingworth!--he was my husband!" page 191 (hardcover)
200
Find a quote that characterizes Hester Prynne very well. Explain why you chose this quote.
"All the world frowned on her -- for seven long years had it frowned upon this lonely woman -- and still she bore it all, nor ever once turned away her firm, sad eyes. Heaven, likewise, had frowned upon her, and she had not died. But the frown of this pale, weak, sinful, and sorrow-stricken man was what Hester could not bear, and live!" page 192 (hardcover)
200
Hester and Dimmesdale choose a secluded place to meet in this chapter. What theme is reflected in this?
What is Public versus Private? Hester and Dimmesdale meet in a secluded area of the forest, which mirrors how cut off they both are from society.
200
Find an example of Hawthorne's use of romaniticism. Specifically, look for imagery.
Any romantic answer can be accepted. "The forest was obscure around them, and creaked with a blast that was passing through it. The boughs were tossing heavily above their heads; while one solemn old tree groaned dolefully to another, as if telling the sad story of the pair that sat beneath, or constrained to forbode evil to come." page 179 (paperback) page 193 (hardcover)
200
Cite a second theme, and cite a quote that perpetuates it.
A second theme would be guilt, or sin. "Hester Prynne was now fully sensible of the deep injury for which she was responsible to this unhappy man, in permitting him to lie for so many years, or, indeed, for a single moment, a the mercy of one, whose purposes could not be other than malevolent." - bottom of page 176 (paperback)
300
Towards the end of the chapter, Hester makes this suggestion to Rev Dimmesdale.
What is an adventure to Europe? Hester suggests that she and Dimmesdale run off to Europe with Pearl, to escape their guilt and "begin all anew!"
300
This is one of the ways that Hester and Dimmesdale act differently.
Hester stays still while Dimmesdale keeps bouncing up and down. She's used to the guilt, and having no emotional shoulder to cry on. Dimmesdale is still facing his guilt. After being told of Chillingworth, he can't stay still.
300
Identify the speaker, and explain why you chose that particular character. "Such a friend as though hast even now wished for.. with whom to weep over thy sin, thou hast in me, the partner of it!"
Hester Prynne was the speaker. Obviously, Dimmesdale's the one that feels more guilt. Hester's the only one here that is stable enough to offer consolation.
300
This is the definition of "Contiguity" as Hawthorne uses it on page 176 (paperback) or page 190 (hardcover).
What is "a series of things in continuous connection." The narrator feels it is Chillingworth's insistence that destroys Dimmesdale. Chillingworth's attempts at destruction are in rapid succession and occur over "so many years."
300
More than a few times this chapter, light had been mentioned in great detail. How does light have significance in this chapter? As in, how does it relate?
Light represents knowledge and honesty. With light, nothing can be hidden. This relates to the chapter because every facade and every secret is being revealed before Dimmesdale and Hester.
400
This is Rev Dimmesdale's reaction to Hester's discussion.
What is to refuse? Dimmesdale is so guilty of his sin that he feels like he must keep punishing himself, if only to relieve some of the guilt. He says that Hester "tellest of running a race to a man whose knees are tottering beneath him!"
400
Take the passage "'Hester,' said he ... bring thee no comfort?'" roughly one and a half pages after the chapter starts. What characterization can you squeeze from this? Mention 3 facts.
Many answers can be accepted. 1 - Dimmesdale feels the effects of his guilt much more than Hester because of his lengthy rant on his guilt. 2 - Dimmesdale takes his religion very seriously. He's very opposed to atheism and feels guilty over "God's gifts." 3 - Hester cares very much about Dimmesdale. She turns the conversation to his concerns and offers counsel.
400
Find a quote that describes the setting with great detail. Best case scenario, you'll be able to find one with Hawthorne's classic romantic language.
"How dreary looked the forest track that led backward to the settlement, where Hester Prynne must take up again the burden of her ignominy, and the minister the hollow mockery of his good name! So they lingered an instant longer. No golden light had ever been so precious as the gloom of this dark forest." page 193 (hardcover)
400
This is the definition of "magnetic" as Hawthorne uses it on page 177 (paperback) or page 190 (hardcover).
What is "exerting a strong attractive charm." This definition of "magnetic" is exactly the same as the meaning of the word in the phrase "a magnetic personality." The narrator calls Dimmesdale charming and "sensitive."
400
There is a short mention of the trees and their behavior in this chapter. Each tree can symbolize one of these.
What is a member of the Salem community. The trees were "telling the sad story of the pair that sat beneath," much like the members of the community gossiped in hushed tones.
500
Keeping in mind your knowledge of both characters' personalities, how might the situation have been different if Hester had never told Dimmesdale about Chillingworth's real identity?
Tyler and Devon believe that Hester would not have mentioned the trip to Europe, and that Hester would have been filled with a new source of guilt: her omission from helping save Dimmesdale.
500
Daily Double!!!
Congratulations to the Window-side team! I always knew you had it in you!
500
Identify the speaker, and speak about the significance of the quote. "Mine burns in secret! Thou little knowest what a relief it is, after a torment of 7 years cheat, to look into an eye that recognizes me for what I am!"
The speaker is Rev Dimmesdale. Of course, he's speaking about his guilt, and his internal "Scarlet Letter." He's speaking about the relief he feels when he's alone with somebody that sees through his facade. If we're not on a roll: Who has it worse? Hester or the Rev?
500
Convert the following sentence into one that Hawthorn might write. "The pizza tastes good."
Many answers can be accepted, as long as it involves lengthy sentences, romantic language, or imagery.
500
Is mercy a form of justice? Use a quote from this chapter to support it.
Honestly, this totally doesn't have a right answer. But if a quote was correctly used to support the claim, then the answer is considered correct. This is based on the usage of the text.
M
e
n
u