Scarlet Letter Chapter 17 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

They feel __________ enough to tackle the big issues.

strong

__________ of them have found peace.

Neither

He thinks it makes him a __________.

hypocrite

She has borne the __________ of their secret.

burden Signup and view all the answers

She has never fallen out of _________ with him.

love Signup and view all the answers

She has ____________ Dimmesdale to live with the enemy.

allowed Signup and view all the answers

Dimmesdale doesn't ____________ he has the strength for it.

think Signup and view all the answers

It was like the first encounter in the world beyond the _______ of two spirits.

grave Signup and view all the answers

He had no ________ in it.

faith Signup and view all the answers

Your _____ is left behind you in the days long past.

sin Signup and view all the answers

Of _________, I have had enough!

penance Signup and view all the answers

Define 'penance'.

Voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for having done wrong. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'penitence'.

The action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the problem with Dimmesdale's view on hidden secrets of sin?

He is tormented by guilt and thinks he cannot redeem himself, leading to a state of inner turmoil. Signup and view all the answers

I could daily betake myself, and be known as the vilest of all sinners, methinks my soul might keep itself alive thereby. Even thus much of truth would save me!But now, it is all __________!

falsehood Signup and view all the answers

In the ____________ of her own trouble, she left the minister to bear what she might picture to herself as a more tolerable doom.

misanthropy Signup and view all the answers

Define 'misanthropy'.

A hatred or distrust of mankind. Signup and view all the answers

Rather than have had this grievous wrong to __________.

confess Signup and view all the answers

Then I consented to a __________.

deception Signup and view all the answers

One worse than even the _________ priest!

polluted Signup and view all the answers

The burden of her ___ and the minister the _ of his good name.

ignominy, hollow mockery Signup and view all the answers

There is not the strength or courage left me to venture into the wide, strange, difficult world __________!

alone Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Encounter in the Woods

Hester and Dimmesdale reunite in a secluded patch of woods, sharing small talk before addressing deeper issues.
Both characters express a sense of emotional turmoil and questioning regarding their peace of mind.

Reflection on Peace

Dimmesdale inquires if Hester has found peace, to which she responds with a bitter smile, indicating that neither has achieved peace.
Dimmesdale reveals his self-loathing, feeling like a hypocrite despite his good deeds in the church, wishing he could openly share his sins.

Shared Burdens

Hester reassures Dimmesdale that he is not alone in his struggles; she has carried the weight of their shared secret for seven years.
Despite her public disgrace, Hester maintains her love for Dimmesdale unbroken.

Truth and Forgiveness

Hester confesses that her former husband, Chillingworth, has been manipulating Dimmesdale, and she seeks forgiveness for this betrayal.
Dimmesdale fears he lacks the strength to escape to a new life with Hester, but she insists on the possibility of leaving together.

Spiritual Connection

Their meeting in the woods feels ethereal, raising doubts about their existence and emotional states, both feeling akin to ghosts.
The physical contact between Dimmesdale and Hester provides a momentary connection that alleviates their distress, binding them as part of the same reality.

Inner Conflict

Dimmesdale expresses deep despair, claiming he lacks faith in the good he appears to do and views himself as a ruined soul.
Hester encourages him, stating that his past sins do not negate the holiness of his current life and actions.

Penance and Penitence

Dimmesdale feels he has experienced enough penance but lacks genuine penitence, as he cannot free himself from his past.
The struggle between external appearances and internal guilt continues to haunt him.

Consequences of Deception

Hester laments her choice to deceive Dimmesdale regarding Chillingworth, stating that she would trade her life for the truth.
She grapples with the weight of their shared guilt and Dimmesdale’s ruined reputation, which she feels responsible for.

Recognition and Connection

Dimmesdale longs for a true acknowledgment of his sins, suggesting that honesty could restore his soul.
The presence of Chillingworth serves as a constant reminder of their shared guilt and complicates Hester’s relationship with Dimmesdale.

Conclusion of the Encounter

Hester and Dimmesdale hesitate to return to their respective lives, acknowledging the harsh realities awaiting them.
Dimmesdale expresses a feeling of helplessness but ultimately chooses to face the future together with Hester, suggesting a glimmer of hope amidst despair.

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Description

Test your understanding of Chapter 17 of 'The Scarlet Letter' with these flashcards. Engage with key concepts and vocabulary as Hester and Dimmesdale confront their struggles. Perfect for reviewing critical themes and character dynamics.