Pearl
Hester
Chillingworth
Plot and Events
100

Why did Hester name her child Pearl?

Pearl was her only treasure/prized possession

100

How is Hester treated by the townspeople?

Poorly.

100

What does Chillingworth ask Hester to promise him?

To not reveal his identity as her husband.

100

What does Hester consider to be both her punishment and her treasure?

Pearl

200

How is Pearl dressed?

Really nice clothing, made from the best materials

200

How does Hester make money?

Embroidery, sewing, needlework

200

Why is Chillingworth called to Hester's prison cell?

To act as her physician and calm her down

200

After being released from prison, Hester lives here, which symbolizes her separation from the Puritan community.

Her cottage

300

What does Pearl play with instead of the other children?

The nature around the cottage, likes trees and weeds.

300

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

300

What does Chillingworth say he will devote his life to after leaving Hester’s cell?

Finding and exposing Hester’s unnamed partner in sin

300

When Hester gives charity to the poor, even beggars react this way, emphasizing her continued isolation

They insult, scorn, and reject her.

400

What does Pearl throw at Hester's embroidered Scarlet Letter?

Wildflowers

400

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

400

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.

400

What is the one event that Hester is not allowed to embroider for?

Weddings

500

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

500

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

500

What “wrong” does Chillingworth admit to committing against Hester?

That he wronged her by marrying her too young while she did not love him

500

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"