Scarlet Letter Chapter 16 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Explain the significance of the sunlight imagery.

Earlier in the novel, Hester told Pearl she could never offer her sunlight. Now, she wants to catch the sunlight for Pearl and can't because Hester and Pearl are still not at peace with one another since she refuses to identify the meaning of the scarlet letter and the father.

When Hester determines to warn Dimmesdale about Chillingworth, why does the meeting take place in the forest?

It is the only place where they can be together secretly, outside of society's reach.

Explain the probable allusion in the line 'the minister and she would need the whole wide world to breathe in.'

Since Hester was having an affair with the minister, she felt more comfortable meeting him outdoors, away from temptation and judgment.

What positive significance does the forest begin to take on?

The forest is a place of happiness and freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What negative significance does the forest begin to take on?

The forest is a place of doing wrong and sinister thoughts. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Hester acknowledge her sin to Pearl?

She tells Pearl that the scarlet letter is the mark of the black man whom she met in the forest once before. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'talisman' refer to?

A stone, ring, or other object, engraved with figures or characters supposed to possess occult powers Signup and view all the answers

What does 'vivacity' mean?

Liveliness; animated; sprightliness Signup and view all the answers

What does 'prattle' mean?

To talk in a foolish or simple-minded way; chatter; babble Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'sentinel'?

A person or thing that watches or stands as if watching Signup and view all the answers

What does 'loquacity' refer to?

State of being loquacious; talkativeness; garrulity Signup and view all the answers

What does 'scintillating' mean?

Animated; vivacious; effervescent Signup and view all the answers

What is 'scrofula'?

Primary tuberculosis of the lymphatic glands, especially those of the neck Signup and view all the answers

What does 'streamlet' mean?

A small stream; rivulet Signup and view all the answers

What does 'cadence' refer to?

Rhythmic flow or a sequence of sounds or words Signup and view all the answers

What does 'tarry' mean?

To remain or stay, as in a place; sojourn Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Significance of Sunlight Imagery

Sunlight symbolizes the relationship between Hester and Pearl, representing warmth and acceptance.
Hester’s earlier statement about not offering Pearl sunlight highlights their estrangement.
The inability to catch sunlight signifies ongoing conflict and lack of peace due to Hester's silence regarding the scarlet letter’s meaning and Pearl’s father.

Hester's Meeting with Dimmesdale

The forest serves as a secretive meeting place, away from societal scrutiny.
Hester’s decision to warn Dimmesdale about Chillingworth underscores the desperation for connection outside societal norms.

Allusion to Open Air Meetings

Hester and Dimmesdale prefer meeting outdoors to avoid temptation and guilt associated with intimate settings.
The open air symbolizes freedom and a lack of judgment, allowing for genuine communication.

Positive Significance of the Forest

The forest transforms into a symbol of happiness and liberation.
It provides a sanctuary for characters to explore their true selves, away from societal constraints.

Negative Significance of the Forest

Conversely, the forest also embodies wrongdoing and sinister thoughts, representing moral ambiguity.
The duality of the forest reflects internal conflict faced by characters, particularly in relation to sin.

Hester Acknowledging Her Sin to Pearl

Hester explains the scarlet letter as the mark of the black man, referencing her sin linked to Pearl’s conception.
This acknowledgment is a pivotal moment in Hester's relationship with her daughter and her own remorse.

Vocabulary Terms

Talisman: An object believed to hold magical properties, worn for protection or good luck.
Vivacity: A quality of being lively and animated, reflecting a spirited nature.
Prattle: To speak foolishly or at length about trivial matters, often in a carefree manner.
Sentinel: A guard or watchful figure, symbolizing vigilance and protection.
Loquacity: The tendency to be very talkative; often associated with verbosity.
Scintillating: Describes something that is lively, sparkling, or brilliantly clever.
Scrofula: A historical term for a type of tuberculosis affecting the lymphatic system.
Streamlet: A small, narrow stream, indicative of nature's subtle beauty.
Cadence: Refers to the rhythmic flow of sounds in speech or music, creating a pleasing rhythm.
Tarry: To linger or delay; denotes a sense of staying longer than necessary.

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Description

Explore key themes and imagery from Chapter 16 of 'The Scarlet Letter' with these flashcards. Delve into the significance of sunlight imagery and Hester's complex relationships as she navigates her past and seeks to protect Dimmesdale. Test your understanding of critical moments in the narrative and their implications.