Questions and Answers
What is the connotation of the term 'leech'?
In what capacity does Roger associate himself with Dimmesdale?
Dimmesdale is his spiritual guide and he is his doctor.
For what two reasons does Dimmesdale's health seem to be failing?
Fasts and vigils; utter devotion to his job and studies.
How has Roger's face changed?
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Roger's appearance and actions lead many people to associate him with what symbolic force?
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What is another reason that Hester cannot return home?
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How did Roger introduce himself?
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Who were the doctors before Roger?
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What made Roger better than the deacon and apothecary?
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What is Dimmesdale going to do with his life, according to the people?
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How do people view Dimmesdale, and how does he view himself?
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What motion does he make at any slight alarm?
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Why do people think Roger is there?
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Does Dimmesdale want to be helped? Who convinces him?
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What can Roger admire now that they spend more time together?
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What did Roger shock Dim with?
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Did Dimmesdale like science?
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What was Roger's reason for his close scrutiny of Dim?
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What is Roger looking for?
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What does a man with secrets avoid?
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What does Dim refuse to do?
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Who did they live with? Why?
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Why was Dim's apartment in the front of the house? What was in it?
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What did Roger set up?
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What did uninformed people think about Roger? Informed people?
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Who will win in the battle of Roger (Satan) and Dimmesdale?
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Study Notes
Leech Connotation
- The term "leech" carries a negative connotation, often associated with bloodsucking and parasitic traits.
Roger's Association with Dimmesdale
- Roger serves as both a spiritual guide and a physician to Dimmesdale, intertwining his roles in a complex relationship.
Dimmesdale's Failing Health
- Dimmesdale's health declines due to his extreme fasting and vigils and his intense dedication to his clerical duties.
Roger's Physical Transformation
- Roger's face is described as ugly and darkened, reflecting a moral degradation that aligns with evil and malevolence.
Symbolism of Evil
- Roger’s appearance and behavior lead to public perception of him as a representative of evil or Satanic influence.
Hester's Inability to Return Home
- Hester cannot go back to her home because doing so would amplify her dishonor, now compounded by Roger's influence.
Roger’s Introduction
- He establishes his identity solely through his impressive education and intellect, omitting personal details.
Prior Healthcare Providers
- Before Roger, the deacon and apothecary were responsible for Dimmesdale's medical care.
Roger’s Superiority
- Roger is perceived as a better caregiver than his predecessors due to his devotion and spiritual piety.
Dimmesdale's Future Expectations
- The community expects Dimmesdale to accomplish significant works for the struggling New England church.
Dimmesdale’s Self-Perception
- Dimmesdale is seen by others as exceptional, while he believes he's too weak to fit into this ideal.
Dimmesdale’s Pain Reaction
- He instinctively places his hand over his heart at any sign of alarm, suggesting inner turmoil and pain.
Public Perception of Roger
- Many view Roger’s presence as miraculous due to his mysterious background and references to notable colleagues.
Dimmesdale's Desire for Help
- Dimmesdale is reluctant to seek help, even though the older minister and deacons convince him to accept assistance.
Roger’s Growing Admiration
- As they interact more, Roger comes to appreciate Dimmesdale’s personality beyond just his public persona.
Dimmesdale's Shock from Science
- Roger surprises Dimmesdale with his knowledge of science, creating a moment of bewilderment.
Dimmesdale's Attitude Towards Science
- Although Dimmesdale enjoys scientific inquiry, he eventually retreats to traditional religious beliefs.
Roger's Motivation
- Roger scrutinizes Dimmesdale closely to understand him better in order to facilitate his healing.
Search for Secrets
- Roger is on the lookout for hidden truths or secrets that Dimmesdale may hold.
Intimacy and Secrets
- A man burdened with secrets often avoids intimacy to protect himself from vulnerability.
Dimmesdale’s Marital Decision
- Dimmesdale consciously chooses not to take a wife, indicating a retreat from personal connections.
Living Arrangement
- They reside with a devout widow, which the community endorses to support Dimmesdale's health.
Dimmesdale’s Apartment
- His living space, located at the front, is adorned with sunlight, a library, and scripture tapestries.
Roger’s Setup
- Roger establishes a laboratory and study space designed for distilling and practicing alchemy.
Public Misunderstandings
- Uninformed individuals suspect Roger of black magic, while those in the know recognize the positive impact he has on Dimmesdale.
Outcome of Roger and Dimmesdale's Conflict
- In the ongoing battle between Roger and Dimmesdale, Roger is expected to prevail, emphasizing the dichotomy between good and evil.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key concepts and character relationships in Chapter 9 of 'The Scarlet Letter'. This quiz includes important terms and definitions that will help you understand the themes and character developments in this classic novel.
