Words and Definitions
Ignominious
"Turning their heads continually to stare at her face and at the baby in her arms and at the ignominious letter on her breast"
What is dishonor or disgrace?
The grim demeanor of the people in front of the prison signals...
What is augured (prophecy something bad that's going to happen)?
The one who makes the final judgment on humans?
What is God?
The age of Hester's baby
What is 3 months old?
Hester's long-term punishment
A scarlet letter 'A'
A mischievous or saucy woman in the context of men.
"But did ever a woman, before this brazen _____, contrive such a way of showing it!" (51)
What is a hussy?
Death, Branding
What is the fate that people think Hester deserves?
The manner in which Hester challenges Puritan values
What is adultery?
The way Hester embroidered the 'A'
What is beautifully?
The Scarlet Letter stands for
What is adultery?
Magistrates
"The magistrates are God fearing gentlemen" (49)
A civil or judicial official vested with limited powers
The reason the Bostonian children are joyful
What is a half-holiday?
Antinomian, Quaker, heterodox religions
What religions do Puritans not like?
How Hester's countenance defies expectations when leaving the prison
What is Hester's beauty and vibrancy?
The color used for Hester's 'A'
What is gold?
Malefactresses
"Should have the handling of such malefacteresses as this Hester Prynne"
What is a woman who has committed sin?
How the crowd around the prison is described
Sombre and grave
The legal impact of Puritanism
What is dictates law?
Hester's last thoughts in Chapter one.
What are thoughts of her present circumstances, feeling misunderstood and that her child is her only ally?
What Hester is thinking of as she walks into the square
What is her village in England, her husband and her parents?
Physiognomy
"the grim rigidity that petrified the bearded physiognomies of these good people..." (47)
What is inner character or quality revealed outwardly?
Hawthorne's description of Bostonian women
What is large, strong and vicious?
The location at which the Puritans punish Hester Prynne?
Hester's reaction to finding out her accusations and consequences
What is shame and disbelief?
Hester's punishment in the marketplace
What is the pillory?