| In what century is the story of Hester Prynne set? | The seventeenth century |
| What does the prison door symbolize in Ch 1 of the Scarlet Letter? | Harsh Puritan mentality that separates Hester from the world. |
| What is the irony of the scaffold scene in which Hester is forced to stand on the scaffold w/Pearl as a baby? | Dimm. was questioning her about who the father is, but he is actually the father |
| What action is commonly made by Dimm throughout the novel? | placing his hand over his heart |
| What does Pearl notice on her mother, even as a baby? | The Scarlett Letter |
| According to The Scarlet Letter, new settlements must establish at the beginning of the colony a cemetery and a | prison |
| Where does the story take place? | A seventeenth century Boston colony |
| What one flower contracts with the somberness of the first scene? | the rose |
| What is described as “the black flower of civilized society”? | the prison |
| What is described as “a tale of human frailty and sorrow”? | the flower picked from the bush |
| What does the rose symbolize? | sweet moral bosom |
| What is the tone of this opening chapter? | somber |
| In one or two words describe “The Puritan Character. | solemn and severe |
| Who is Mistress Hibbins? | a widow from a former magistrate |
| Why is the minister distressed? | a misfortune has come upon his congregation |
| List five physical characteristics of Hester | Tall,Dark and abundant hair,A rich complexion,Had a marked brow,Deep black eyes |
| Who is the stranger in town? | Roger Chillngworth |
| Why is he accompanied by an Indian? | he has been captured, the indians brought him there for selling |
| Why did Hester precede her husband in the New World? | her husband had to take care of affairs back home |
| Who is John Wilson? | the eldest clergy man of boston |
| List 2 qualities of Dimmesdale’s preaching manor. | straight to the heart, simple |
| What is hinted about the scarlet letter as Hester returns to prison? | it glowed |
| How long must Hester stand on the scaffold? | three hours |
| Who is Master Brackett? | the jailer |
| true or false: the Massechusetts magistrates show mercy in the sentence? | true |
| Who is the false doctor? | Roger Chillingworth |
| ^ What does he vow to do? | find hester’s lover |
| Why does Chillingworth take another name? | so that people will not know that he is Hester’s husband |
| What does he make Hester promise? | to keep his identity a secret |
| Why does Hester hesitate about taking the medicine? | she thinks it might be poison |
| Where has Chillingworth recently learned secrets of folk medicine? | the Indians |
| What happened when Chillingworth touches the scarlet letter? | the letter burned Hester |
| who is the devil’s messenger? | Chillingworth |
| Why is Pearl often called a precocious child? | she is very, very smart for her age |
| Why does Hester go to the governor’s mansion? | to bring him a pair of gloves that he ordered |
| What is Hester’s job? | she is a seamstress |
| How is Pearl dressed when she goes to visit the Governors mansion? | Red Tunic embroiled with gold thread |
| How does Pearl put to flight the taunting children? | she stomped her foot and then ran at them |
| What “great lump of vegetables” is in the governor’s garden that symbolize New England? | pumpkins |
| What magnifies the scarlet letter much to Pearl’s devilish delight? | the breast plate of armor |
| Describe three features of the inside of the governor’s home | large windows, oak furniture, stucco |
| Where do she and Pearl reside? | a small cottage on the outskirts of town |
| What one dress is Hester never asked to make? | wedding veils |
| In one or two words describe Hester’s relationship to society. | shunned and isolated |
| What often happens to Hester in church? | she is the topic of the sermons |
| Why does Hester remain in the colony? | Pearl’s father was there, she thought she must live with her consequence |
| How do strangers react to the looks of the scarlet letter? | all they do is stare |
| How does Hester react to the looks of strangers? | she is ashamed, sees it as a heal that will not wound |
| What legend arises about the scarlet letter? | that is glows at night and is more than just cloth |
| Why is Hester’s needle work highly respected? | she has a great sense of style |
| Why does Hester name her daughter Pearl? | she was her one “pearl” and happiness left in life |
| Name two characteristics of Pearl. | energetic and graceful |
| What three men are with the governor in the garden? | Rev. Wilson, Dimmesdale, Chillingworth |
| Why is there talk of taking Pearl from Hester | People are afraid that Pearl is not growing up in the Christian way |
| How old is Pearl at this time of the Governer’s Hall visit? | three |
| How has Dimmesdale changed physically since the early part of the story? | he is thin, troubled looking |
| How does Dimmesdale help Hester at the Governors Hall? | says Pearl should stay with her mother |
| What gestures of affection does Pearl make toward the minister? | she laid her cheek against his hand |
| How does Chillingworth propose the identity of Pearl’s father be determined? | keep a close eye on Pearl and Hester |
| What does Mr. Wilson reply to Chillingworth’s ides? | they must leave the mystery to God |
| Who tempts Hester as she leaves the mansion? | Mistress Hibbins |
| Roger Chillingworth’s appearance and actions lead many people to believe to associate him with what symbolic force? | the devil |
| What is Hester’s reply to Mistress Hibbins? | she must take care of pearl, will not join her in forest day |
| What are two signs of Dimmesdale’s failing health? | he is thin and pale |
| In what capacity does Chillingworth associate himself with Dimmesdale? | he is Dimmesdale’s medical advisor |
| Where does Chillingworth gather the “black weeds”? | the graveyard |
| What does Pearl call Chillingworth? | the black man |
| What does Chillingworth feel is the basis of Dimmesdale’s illness? | unconfessed sin |
| What does Dimmesdale refuse to tell Chillingworth? | his secret |
| What does Pearl throw at Dimmesdale? | prickly burrs |
| Why are we not told what Chillingworth sees on Dimmesdale’s chest while he is sleeping? | building up suspense |
| What is Chillingworth’s plan of revenge? | to make Dimmesdale suffer |
| Cite two ways in which Dimmesdale punishes himself. | he fasts and whips himself |
| What is the minister unable to escape in his thoughts and sleepless nights? | his guilt |
| On what subject does he usually preach? | sin |
| What does Dimmesdale speculate about grass growing on his grave? | his gravesite will be cursed too |
| Explain the significance of the chapter’s title “the interior of the Heart” | the pain within Dimmesdale’s heart is revealed |
| Where does Dimmesdale walk on this chilly May night? | the scaffold |
| What does Dimmesdale do to expiate partially his guilt? | he screams |
| What two people come to windows at the governor’s mansion? | the governor and mistress Hibbing |
| Where is the Rev. Mr. Wilson coming from when he walks by the scaffold? | the death chamber of governor Winthrop |
| What does Dimmesdale suddenly fear about the dawn? | that people will come out of their house and see him on the scaffold |
| What doe Dimmesdale ask of Hester and Pearl? | to stand there together |
| What are Hester and Pearl doing out this late at night? | coming back from Governor w’s deathbed |
| What does Pearl want Dimmesdale to do during the following noon? | to stand there so the whole town can see |
| How is Chillingworth described as he stands near the scaffold? | he hides his face |
| What phenomenon lights up the sky? | a meteor |
| Who takes Dimmesdale home? | Chillingworth |
| Why does Pearl become angry with Dimmesdale? | he won’t stand on the scaffold with her and Hester |
| What personal item of Dimmesdale’s does the sexton find on the scaffold? | black glove |
| What portent does the sexton describe? | the devil brought the glove to the scaffold; claims Dimmesdale does not need the glove because he is so pure |
| According to the sexton of what is the meteor a sign of? | An A for angel |
| Who does Hester come upon in the woods? | Chillingworth |
| How does she propose to save the minister? | Hester decides to meet Chillingworth and discuss |
| Why has Hester become stronger in these seven years? | she has built strength from the A. She is independent |
| Explain the statement: “The scarlet letter has not done its office”. | The scarlet letter has failed to do its job, people have begun to accept her |
| What is the legend about the Indian arrow and the scarlet letter? | the letter repelled an Indian arrow |
| As a result of Hester’s good works what has the scarlet letter A come to mean to many people? | Able |
| How many years have passed since Pearl was born? (chp 13) | seven |
| What has recently been discussed about Hester in the Council? | whether or not Hester should be allowed to remove the A |
| What physical change in Chillingworth shocks Hester? | he looks pure, pure evil |
| Of what evil intent toward Dimmesdale does Hester accuse Chillingworth? | he is torturing himself very slowly |
| Why had Chillingworth keep Dimmesdale alive? | so he will suffer |
| What does Chillingworth mean when he says”Let the black flower blossom as it may”? | let the sin alone, it is your fate |
| What does Hester feel about Chillingworth as he departs from their encounter? | she truly hates him |
| Why is Chillingworth gathering herbs? | for medication |
| What symbol does Pearl make from seaweed? | an A |
| What revealing gesture of the minister has Pearl connected with her mother’s wearing the scarlet letter? | placing his hand over his heart |
| Where is the minister in the habit of walking? | along the sure |
| Who is the “Apostle Eliot”? | the first man to minister the Indians |
| About what common superstition has Pearl learned? | the legend of a black man |
| Has Hester ever met the Black Man? | yes |
| Why is Pearl’s life like the current of the brook? | both the brook and Peal are mysterious and lively |
| Whom does Pearl mistake for the Black Man? | Dimmesdale |
| New addition to Dimmesdale’s growing frailty | he now walks with a cain |
| Where does the minister hold his hand? | over his heart |
| Who is described as the “One worse than even the polluted priest”? | Roger Chillingworth |
| What does Hester suggest Dimmesdale and she do? | get away |
| What does Hester say about Dimmesdale’s atonement? | the sins are repented for and behind him |
| How does Dimmesdale react to Hester’s hope and energy? | he says that he is powerless |
| What does Hester say about the past? | what’s done is done |
| Why is Dimmesdale unable to find immediate relief in Hester’s opinion? | hester has forgiven herself while Dimmesdale will not |
| How does she demonstrate her rejection of the past? | she takes off the A |
| When the scarlet letter is removed what change occurs in Hester? | she feels free, born anew |
| What does the forest symbolize? | a safe exclusion from everything…troubles of life |
| What does the sunshine symbolize? | relief, a new beginning |
| Why does Pearl refuse to come to her mother? | she does not recognize her mother without the A |
| How does the author personify the trees and the brook? | the tree whispers, the brook babbles |
| How does the reflection in the brook change Pearl’s appearance? | it is the perfect image of her, she is spiritualized |
| What does the brook symbolize? | Pearl herself, and the boundary between the two worlds (being an outsider..now she might not be) |
| What does Dimmesdale think about on his return to the village? | how much he has changed |
| What opportunities are available for escape in the New World? | they could live with Indians or other settlements |
| Why does the couple choose fleeing to England? | England is more civilized, they can hide there |
| When will the next vessel sail again? | 4 days |
| How is Hester acquainted with the captain of the vessel? | they did charity work together |
| What does Dimmesdale do with the sermon he has already written? | he threw it into the fire |
| How long does he spend writing the new one? | all night |
| How does Hester dress for the holiday? | her usual gray outfit |
| How does Pearl dress for the holiday? | light, happy clothing |
| What does Pearl say about the minister? | that he is a strange and sad man |
| What does the ship captain tell Hester | That Chillingworth has requested to go on the journey to England |
| What is her response to this news? | she appears calm |
| What traits does the author assign to the Puritan leaders? | serious, self-reliant |
| What forces seems to motivate Dimmesdale? | spiritual motivation |
| How does Hester phrase her doubts as Dimmesdale passes? | she wonders if it were all a dream |
| What does Pearl almost do as Dimmesdale passes? | run to give him a kiss |
| Why does Pearl hesitate when greeting Dimmesdale? | she does not recognize Dimmesdale |
| What does Mistress Hibbins disclose to Hester? | she knows about their secret relationship |
| What message does the ship captain ask Pearl to give her mother? | Chillingworth wil bring Dimmesdale on the ship and not to worry |
| How do the Indians interpret Hester’s scarlet letter? | high dignity |
| What is the subject of Dimmesdale’s sermon? | the relationship between god and human communities |
| Who tries to help the frail minister? | Reverend John Wilson |
| Why is the governor anxious about Dimmesdale? | he looks awful, health is declining |
| Where does Dimmesdale ask Hester and Pearl to join him? | on the scaffold |
| Who tries to stop Dimmesdale’s action? | Chillingworth |
| What does Dimmesdale confess to the “people of New England”? | that he is the father of pearl |
| What are Dimmesdale’s last words to Chillingworth? | “May God forgive you, you have sinned too” |
| Why is Pearl’s “errand as a messenger of anguish” fulfilled? | she finally kisses her father |
| What do some of the spectators see on Dimmesdale’s breast? | an A |
| What is the fate of Roger Chillingworth? | he died |
| To whom does he leave his estate? | Pearl |
| Why does Hester return to New England? | she could not get rid of her past |
| Where is Hester buried? | by King’s Chapel |
| What object united the lovers in death? | Scarlett A in a tombstone |
| When Hester stands on the scaffold she thinks of? | her childhood |
| How long has Hester’s husband been away from her? | 2 years |
| Dismesdale speaks to Hester during the 1st scaffold scene to convince her to | identifies Pearl’s father |
| Pearl was an heiress to | Chillingworth’s future |
| What is the symbolic meaning of Pearl’s name? | of great price |
| Who has an affair with Hester? | Reverend Dimmesdale |
| Does Hester seem to be showing off her scarlet letter by decorating it beautifully? | yes |
| What kind of “bad” people end up on the scaffold, according to Hawthorne? | criminals |
| After she spends money on Pearl’s clothes, on what does Hester spend her excess money? | charity |
| To whom does the black glove belong? | Dimmesdale |
| Describe Hester’s appearance, seven years later. | she is harsh-looking |
| What is it that Hester would rather do than confess to Dimmesdale that Chillingworth is her husband? | kill herself |
| What happens to Hester when she removes and throws down her scarlet letter? | she becomes beautiful again |
| What is so odd about the fact that Mistress Hibbins begins a conversation with Hester in public? | no one speaks to her in public |
| What is the occupation of the narrator of this story? | customs officer |
| Where do Hester and Chillingworth live before coming to America? | Amsterdam |
| What item in the governor’s mansion shows Hester a distorted reflection of herself? | a suit of armor |
| In what city do Hester and Pearl live? | Boston |
| How does Mistress Hibbins eventually die? | she is executed publicly as a witch |
| next to whom is Hester buried? | Dimmesdale |
| What natural phenomenon comes to symbolize both Dimmesdale’s “sin” and Governor Winthrop’s “virtue”? | a meteor |
| How do Hester and Dimmesdale plan to escape their suffering? | by boarding a ship for Europe |
| Where does the narrator first encounter Hester Prynne’s story? | he finds a manuscript in the attic of the Salem-Custom house |
| Why does the narrator lose his job in the customhouse? | a new custom-member present, who is from a different party, is elected |
| By punishing Hester with the Scarlett letter, the puritans are | proclaiming its own smug self-rightenous |
| Chillingworth became the greatest sinner in violating the human heart because he | single-mindidley was bent on personal revenge |
| Following an impressive meteor shower, the people of Boston see a symbol in the sky: a huge letter A. They interpret this A as standing for | angel |
| Hawthorne suggests that the wild rosebush that grows outside the prison door is a symbol of | natural, untamed beauty |
| When asked who created her, Pearl says it was | the rose-bush outside the prison door |
| Author? | Nathaniel Hawthorne |
| Narrator? | The narrator is an unnamed customhouse surveyor who writes some two hundred years after the events he describes took place. He has much in common with Hawthorne but should not be taken as a direct mouthpiece for the author’s opinions. |
| Point of VIEW | the narrator is omniscient, because he analyzes the characters and tells the story in a way that shows that he knows more about the characters than they know about themselves. Yet, he is also a subjective narrator, because he voices his own interpretations and opinions of things. He is clearly sympathetic to Hester and Dimmesdale. |
THE SCARLET LETTER TEST REVIEW
April 17, 2020