Scarlet Letter Chapter 22 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What type of mood does the music during election day carry?

higher and more heroic

What is Hester and Pearl's reaction to Dimmesdale becoming so distant?

Hester feels there is a great distance between them, and Pearl feels he is not the same as he was three days ago

After the discussion Pearl, Hester, and Mistress Hibbins have, what does Mistress Hibbins say?

Everyone will know of his sin

When Dimmesdale is giving his sermon, what does Hester hear?

sympathy, emotion, compassion and low expression of anguish Signup and view all the answers

What is Dimmesdale's condition at the end of his sermon?

he is near death, and refuses help from anyone but still mounts the scaffold Signup and view all the answers

Who are the major characters during the scaffold scene?

Hester, Pearl, Dimmesdale and Chillingworth Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote reveal about the Puritan people? 'The sainted minister in the church! The woman of the scarlet letter in the marketplace!'

the Puritans focused life around the church and believed anyone in a church position was pure and without sin Signup and view all the answers

What during election day shows the hypocrisy of the Puritan society?

the loud music, exquisite costumes, and the power Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hester scold Pearl?

Pearl, despite being suspicious of Dimmesdale, wants to blow him a kiss Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mistress Hibbins invite Pearl to go on a 'witch ride' in the future?

Mistress Hibbins suggests that Pearl's father is the devil Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator note during the celebration?

Mistress Hibbins will be executed as a witch Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hester let the group of Native Americans watch Pearl in the marketplace?

Hester's sin has opened her eyes to see the good in people, even those labeled as bad Signup and view all the answers

Why do the Native Americans see the Scarlet Letter as a mark of distinction?

because it contains no innate badge of shame Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning behind the statement Mistress Hibbins says about Pearl being the daughter of the devil?

this means that she isn't evil but is unconstrained by Puritanism Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hester show no recognition towards Dimmesdale?

she thinks in order to preserve her love for Dimmesdale she must keep it a secret Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Election Day Mood

The music during election day conveys a higher and more heroic mood, reflecting the celebratory atmosphere of the occasion.

Hester and Pearl's Reaction to Dimmesdale

Hester feels a significant emotional distance from Dimmesdale, while Pearl perceives a change in him, noting he is not the same as he was just three days prior.

Mistress Hibbins' Revelation

After a conversation among Pearl, Hester, and Mistress Hibbins, Mistress Hibbins asserts that everyone will ultimately learn about Dimmesdale’s sin.

Dimmesdale’s Sermon

During Dimmesdale's sermon, although Hester cannot hear his actual words, she senses his deep emotion, sympathy, compassion, and a profound expression of anguish.

Dimmesdale's Condition

By the conclusion of his sermon, Dimmesdale is in a near-death state, chooses to decline help, and insists on ascending the scaffold.

Major Characters in the Scaffold Scene

Key characters present during the scaffold scene include Hester, Pearl, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, who play crucial roles in the narrative.

Puritan Hypocrisy

The quote reflecting on Dimmesdale and Hester reveals the hypocrisy of the Puritans, portraying them as rigid in moral judgment while failing to see shared guilt.

Election Day Hypocrisy

The lavish celebrations and exuberance during election day expose the hypocrisy inherent in Puritan society, contrasting its strict religious values with extravagance.

Hester Scolding Pearl

Hester reprimands Pearl when she expresses a desire to blow a kiss to Dimmesdale, demonstrating Pearl’s lingering suspicion but also a connection to him.

Mistress Hibbins’ Invitation

Mistress Hibbins invites Pearl to join her on a "witch ride," suggesting that Dimmesdale's identity could be linked to devilish nature, a reflection of societal beliefs.

Narrative Interruption

The narrator briefly interrupts the festive descriptions to highlight that Mistress Hibbins faces execution for witchcraft, emphasizing the consequences of nonconformity.

Hester and the Native Americans

Hester allows Native Americans to watch Pearl, revealing her open-mindedness and ability to see beyond Puritan labels, recognizing goodness in others.

Scarlet Letter Perception

Native Americans view the Scarlet Letter as a mark of distinction rather than shame, illustrating a divergence in cultural values regarding sin and identity.

Mistress Hibbins on Pearl

Mistress Hibbins’ comment about Pearl being the devil’s daughter signifies that Pearl is not evil; rather, she is liberated from the constraints of Puritan ideology.

Hester’s Lack of Recognition

Hester avoids acknowledging Dimmesdale in public, believing that maintaining secrecy about their love is essential for preserving its integrity.

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Description

Explore key moments and themes from Chapter 22 of 'The Scarlet Letter' with these flashcards. Delve into the characters' emotions and the symbolic elements present during the election day scene. Perfect for quick revision and deepening your understanding of the text.