Scarlet Chapter 12 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does Dimmesdale do when he gets to the scaffold?

go up; scream 'it is done'

Who hears Dimmesdale when he screams?

Bellingham and Hibbins

Why is Hester (or anyone) out tonight?

John Winthrop is on his deathbed; Hester was taking his robe measurements

Who sees Dimmesdale?

Hester, Roger sees all of them Signup and view all the answers

What does Pearl ask Dimmesdale?

if he will hold her and Hester's hands at noon tomorrow Signup and view all the answers

What unusual thing appears in the sky?

a red meteor forming an A Signup and view all the answers

How do the people interpret the A?

as Angel Signup and view all the answers

How does Dimmesdale interpret the A?

his sin; it lights the sky up like daylight Signup and view all the answers

What is found on the scaffold? By whom?

Dimmesdale's black glove, the sexton Signup and view all the answers

Why is Dimmesdale unafraid of discovery?

it is dark and he is invisible Signup and view all the answers

What drove Dimmesdale to the scaffold?

remorse and cowardice Signup and view all the answers

If people woke up because of the scream, what would they assume?

someone had a nightmare or a witch Signup and view all the answers

Who walks past the scaffold and almost discovers Dimmesdale?

Wilson Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale have a panic attack about?

if he would be able to climb down from the scaffold Signup and view all the answers

How does Dimmesdale know Pearl is out?

he laughs and Pearl laughs in reply Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale invite them to do?

climb up on the scaffold with him so they are together on it Signup and view all the answers

When does Dimmesdale say he'll stand with Hester and Pearl?

on judgement day Signup and view all the answers

What are meteors usually interpreted as?

supernatural (signs of Indian warfare, pestilence) Signup and view all the answers

Who sees Roger first?

Pearl Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale ask?

'Who is he? I hate him.' Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester reply?

she doesn't, because she has to keep Roger's secret Signup and view all the answers

What is Pearl's reply?

childish gibberish because she didn't like Dim's answer to her question Signup and view all the answers

How did Roger know Dimmesdale was there?

He knew about Winthrop Signup and view all the answers

How did the sexton explain the glove?

Satan put it on the scaffold Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dimmesdale's Actions and Reactions

Dimmesdale ascends the scaffold and proclaims, "it is done," indicating a significant moment of confession or acceptance.
He is overheard by Bellingham and Hibbins, marking a moment of potential exposure.
Hester is out due to John Winthrop's impending death, suggesting her involvement in important community matters.

Interactions on the Scaffold

Hester, along with Roger Chillingworth, witnesses Dimmesdale on the scaffold, highlighting interconnected fates.
Pearl asks Dimmesdale if he will join her and Hester by holding their hands the next day, emphasizing the theme of family connection.
Dimmesdale struggles with his internal guilt and desires to publicly acknowledge his relationship with Hester and Pearl.

Celestial Events and Their Interpretations

A red meteor shapes an 'A' in the sky, eliciting varied interpretations from the townsfolk, who see it as a sign of angelic presence.
Dimmesdale perceives the 'A' as a representation of his sin, illuminating his guilt and longing for redemption.

Significant Discoveries and Encounters

The sexton finds Dimmesdale’s black glove on the scaffold, which symbolizes his hidden sin and dual identity.
Dimmesdale feels safe in the darkness of night, reflecting on his unconfessed sins without fear of being discovered.

Themes of Remorse, Panic, and Judgment

His emotions are driven by remorse and cowardice, illustrating the psychological burden of his unacknowledged guilt.
Dimmesdale experiences anxiety about descending from the scaffold, indicating his fear of facing the consequences of his actions.
The mention of "judgment day" foreshadows a future reckoning for his moral choices.

Supernatural Significance

Meteors are typically interpreted as supernatural signs or omens, invoking both fear and fascination among the townspeople.
Pearl's early sighting of Roger serves to connect the characters in a web of intrigue and hidden truths.

Dialogues of Distress and Secrets

Dimmesdale expresses hatred towards an unnamed individual, showing deep inner turmoil and secrecy.
Hester’s inability to disclose the identity of this person reflects her commitment to protecting Roger Chillingworth's secret.
Pearl's reaction is playful gibberish, indicating her youthful innocence and misunderstanding of adult complexities.

Roger’s Knowledge and Satanic Symbolism

Roger reveals his awareness of Dimmesdale's presence through his knowledge regarding Winthrop's situation, suggesting manipulation or surveillance.
The sexton's claim that Satan placed the glove on the scaffold reinforces themes of evil intertwined with the puritanical society.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 12 from 'The Scarlet Letter' with these flashcards. Each card focuses on key events and character actions that unfold in this pivotal chapter. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of Hawthorne's work.