Chapters
1-5
1-5
What does the rosebush outside the prison symbolize?
Hope
What kind of relationship did Pearl have with the other children?
She’s mocked and outcast by them
How does Hester feel about the possible removal of the scarlet letter?
She doesn’t want to take it off because only God can forgive her of that sin
What three things were causing Dimmesdale’s misery?
His lies, cowardice, and hypocrisy
What does Pearl’s appearance signify on the holiday?
It signifies how Hester is feeling
What traits did Roger Chillingworth have that caused her to marry him?
He was smart and rich and she needed his money
What were the governing officials discussing about Hester in chapter 8?
If she could take care of Pearl
What two influences drove Dimmesdale to the scaffold?
Impulse of remorse and cowardice
What is Dimmesdale’s first reaction to finding out who Chillingworth is?
He was furious but only for a few seconds before collapsing from weakness, falling to the ground with his face in his hands
What unusual activities are taking place on the holiday?
Parade, musicians, wrestling matches, sword fighting, smoking, and drinking
What two punishments did the old women of the community want to give Hester?
Brand her with the letter ‘A’ and have her executed
Why might Chillingworth’s soul be in danger?
He’s digging through Dimmesdale like a grave robber
What effect does the meteor have on Dimmesdale?
He believes it is a sign for him showing his insanity
Why does Dimmesdale agree to run away with Hester?
He’s already doomed so he might as well take the risk and he can’t live without Hester
What is the reason for Hesters gloomy mood in chapter 22?
Dimmesdale isn’t noticing Hester or Pearl almost as if he was ignoring them
What or who caused the rosebush to grow outside of the prison doors?
Anne Hutchenson
What activities did the Puritan children occupy themselves with?
Pretend to scalp American Indians, mimic Church services, and pretend to do witchcraft
What is the meaning of the metaphor, “Let the black flower blossom as it may”?
Hester, Chillingworth, and Dimmesdale are all in a dark situation and they should leave their situation up to fate
Why do the creatures of the forest adapt to the presence of Pearl?
She showed partial humanity and is becoming part of the forest
What was extraordinary about the testimony of ‘certain persons’ concerning the scene at the scaffold?
They didn’t see anything on his chest even though they were watching him the whole time
When Chillingworth saw Hester on the scaffold a ‘dark’ look passed over his face. What animal was it compared to?
A snake
What does Hester think are similarities between Pearl and the scarlet letter?
Pearl is a gift from the scarlet letter as well as a punishment, and she hopes the letter will help Pearl to follow a different path than her
What was the title given to Hester a few years after her punishment began?
The ‘Sister of Mercy’
What are the three temptations Dimmesdale encounters after leaving the forest?
He was tempted to blaspheme to an old lady, ignored a young woman, and wanted to curse with the sailors
Why did Hester come back to the town?
To finish her repentance and to help the women of the community