Wordy Words
A perfect society or place
Bewildered
Completely puzzled or confused; perplexed.
A man who disguises himself to seek revenge.
Chillingworth
Which occasions does Hester not make clothing for?
Weddings
How does Pearl’s behavior reflect her symbolic role in the novel?
She was born from an evil act and is acting evil and suspicious herself
Countenance
The face or facial expression
Heathen
A person who acts outside of the accepted religion or culture
The governor’s sister, associated with witchcraft and temptation.
Mistress Hibbins
What symbolic action does Chillingworth do while Dimmesdale is asleep?
Looks at his chest
How does Hawthorne use Pearl to remind both Hester and Dimmesdale of their sin?
Pearl is the child Dimmesdale cannot be seen with, and she questions him about being in public together.
Hester sees evil in Pearl.
Obstinancy
Stubbornness; refusal to change one’s opinion or behavior.
Discerning
Having or showing good judgment; perceptive.
Character is described as wild, elf-like, and symbolic.
Pearl
Who do the Puritans believe Pearl’s father is?
The devil
Explain the reasoning behind taking Pearl away.
They felt Hester could not raise her in Christian values.
Expound
To explain or present in detail
Sojourn
A temporary stay; to stay temporarily
An older clergyman who is described as grandfatherly.
What reason does Dimmesdale give to allow Hester to keep her child?
That Pearl will prevent Hester from falling farther into sin
Describe how the townspeople begin to change feelings about the characters, particularly Hester and Chillingworth. What are their initial feelings and how does it change? Why do they change?
Hester is a sinner, then she is a helper.
Chillingworth is a God-send, then he is an evil presence.
Amenable
Open and responsive to suggestion; willing to cooperate
Congenial
Having a friendly or pleasant nature
The strict old character who nearly takes Pearl away.
Governor Bellingham
What new symbolic meaning does the scarlet letter begin to carry?
(What "A" word have they attached to it?)
Able
Describe the symbolic significance of the forest in the chapters leading up to Chapter 15.
It is a dark and lawless place where evil can occur.