Chapter 18-Hester and Dimmesdale
Why was Dimmesdale finally able to agree to run away with Hester?
He decided to embrace joy since he was already doomed. Also, he realizes that he cannot live without Hester's strength and tenderness
Name 2 of the animals from this chapter that befriend Pearl? (hint, it's not an armadillo or a rhinoceros...)
Fox, wolf, partridge, pigeon, squirrel
What does the brook symbolize?
Pearl's life events
Chillingworth
What does Hester undo the clasp of and throw by the creek?
Her Scarlet Letter
What is pearl's reaction to meeting Dimmesdale in the forest when her mother first calls her?
Uneasy/slowly approaching
What does the rosebush symbolize (all the way back to the first chapter!)
HOPE
What are the 3 components to Dimmesdale's guilt? (what other sins make up his guilt?)
Lying, Hypocrisy, Cowardice
Why was Hester able to think boldly and speak courageously while Dimmesdale was not?
Through her learning because of the scarlet letter alienating her from the colony, she was able to understand an outside perspective of how foolish the Puritan society was
What new non-human character is Pearl being compared to in this chapter?
Nymph/dryad
What does the sunshine symbolize?
love/joy/hope.
It seems that Mother Nature approves of their plan to run away.
Why would Chillingworth not reveal the secret that Dimmesdale is Hester's secret lover?
Chillingworth wanted to continue his morbid torture of Dimmesdale.
Who is Mistress Hibbins?
A (maybe) fictional character that was the Governor's sister. She was tried and executed as a witch and is a devilish character in the novel.
Why is it important to note that Hester lets her hair down in response to taking off the scarlet letter?
Her womanhood returns when she casts her shame away.
Analyze the following quote: "The truth seems to be, however, that the mother-forest, and these wild things which it nourished, all recognized a kindred wildness in the human child."
The animals and plants in the forest (personified) feel a special bond to Pearl and her wildness of spirit.
What does the meteor symbolize?
Shame, as it 'writes' the letter A in the sky
What is the contrast between Dimmesdale's view of God's forgiveness and Hester's view?
Dimmesdale believes God is a harsh judge and Hester thinks he is merciful
What is Dimmesdale's new fear in this chapter after agreeing with Hester to run away?
That Pearl will not love him
Gentleness; almost human-like
Who do Hester and Dimmesdale symbolize as sinners?
Adam and Eve