Characters
This character is the protagonist of the novel (first and last name).
Hester Prynne
The following quotation describes this symbol: "They averred, that the symbol was not mere scarlet cloth, tinged in an earthly dye-pot, but was red-hot with infernal fire, and could be seen glowing all alight."
The Scarlet Letter
How does Hester react to first seeing her husband while she is standing on the scaffold?
She holds her baby tighter.
Why is Chillingworth called a leech?
He drains the life out of Dimmesdale.
How does Pearl react to Hester after she removes the letter? How does she react towards Dimmesdale, and why?
Pearl won't speak to her mother and she wipes away the kiss from Dimmesdale.
This character symbolizes the consequences of sin.
Pearl
This symbol provides a location for most key events.
The scaffold
Why does Chillingworth say that he has no plans of hurting Hester after she refuses to take his medicine while in prison?
He wants to seek revenge- not hurt her.
How does Dimmesdale punish himself for his sins?
He whips himself, starves himself, etc.
How does Hester physically change after removing the letter? How do the surroundings change?
She lets her hair down. The sky opens up and sunlight shines down on her.
This character tells Hester that she can remove the scarlet letter.
Chillingworth
This symbol is the first one introduced in the novel and represents freedom.
The rose bush/the color red
What is ironic about Hester’s profession after she is released from prison?
She becomes a seamstress; the actual scarlet letter was made by a seamstress.
What does Hester plan to discuss with Dimmesdale when they meet in the forest?
She plans to discuss her plan to leave the colony and return to Europe.
How does Chillingworth exact revenge on Hester when she and Pearl are headed to the ship?
He shows up with a ticket for the same ship.
This character proves to be dynamic through his/her experience with sin.
Dimmesdale
Hester has to battle this theme when she goes to visit the Governor to deliver gloves- even though she ends up defending her right as Pearl's mother while she is there.
Society
While trying to convince the court that she should remain in custody of Pearl, what does Hester claim that she can do for Pearl that nobody else can do?
She can teach Pearl how not to live her life.
While Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale are on the scaffold one night, what does Pearl ask Dimmesdale and how does he respond?
She asks if he will "stand with them there tomorrow" and he says that he will stand before God on judgement day.
What significant event happens on the scaffold with Pearl, Hester, and Dimmesdale after the election sermon?
Dimmesdale dies.
This character offers to let Pearl join him/her for supernatural activities.
Mistress Hibbins
How do Dimmesdale, Chillingworth, and Hester all deal with the theme of sin in the story? You must provide an example for each.
Answers will vary.
While she is a child, how does Pearl interact with the letter A on Hester’s chest?
She touches it often.
What analogy does Chillingworth make when referencing a weed which is growing in a cemetery?
He says that the weeds growing up from the ground in the cemetery represent the unconfessed sins of the people buried below.
When Hester returns to live in her cottage, what does she do with the letter A?
She periodically puts it back on and wears it.