Why did Hester name her child Pearl?
Pearl was her only treasure/prized possession
How is Hester treated by the townspeople?
Poorly.
What does Chillingworth ask Hester to promise him?
To not reveal his identity as her husband.
What does Hester consider to be both her punishment and her treasure?
Pearl
How is Pearl dressed?
Really nice clothing, made from the best materials
How does Hester make money?
Embroidery, sewing, needlework
Why is Chillingworth called to Hester's prison cell?
To act as her physician and calm her down
After being released from prison, Hester lives here, which symbolizes her separation from the Puritan community.
Her cottage
What does Pearl play with instead of the other children?
The nature around the cottage, likes trees and weeds.
Why does Hester decide to stay near the town instead of going back to Europe or joining another community?
She feels bound to the place of her sin, believes it's her destiny
What does Chillingworth say he will devote his life to after leaving Hester’s cell?
Finding and exposing Hester’s unnamed partner in sin
When Hester gives charity to the poor, even beggars react this way, emphasizing her continued isolation
They insult, scorn, and reject her.
What does Pearl throw at Hester's embroidered Scarlet Letter?
Wildflowers
Why was Hester placed under constant watch after returning to the prison?
They didn't want to take the chance of her hurting herself or her baby
Why does Chillingworth say he will not reveal himself publicly as Hester’s husband?
He does not want to face the dishonor of being a man who was wronged by his wife. It would bring him shame.
What is the one event that Hester is not allowed to embroider for?
Weddings
What does Pearl do to the other children if they come near her?
She is hostile: screams, throws stones at them, tries to fight them
What happens when Hester looks into the eyes of the townspeople who stare at the scarlet letter on her dress?
She feels like she sees their sins when they stare at the letter
What “wrong” does Chillingworth admit to committing against Hester?
That he wronged her by marrying her too young while she did not love him
Pearl’s wild behavior leads Hester to sometimes wonder if Pearl is more than human. Hawthorne gives her this nickname reflecting her otherworldly nature.
"elf-child" or "imp of evil"