Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does Roger Chillingworth think would happen to him if he revealed his identity as Hester's husband?
What does Roger Chillingworth think would happen to him if he revealed his identity as Hester's husband?
Be pilloried beside her on her pedestal of shame.
Why is Chillingworth welcomed so readily into the Puritan community?
Why is Chillingworth welcomed so readily into the Puritan community?
He was a physician and he is from another country so he may have heard of cures yet to be found in New England.
Of what do Dimmesdale's parishioners believe Dimmesdale's death would be a sign? To what would Dimmesdale attribute his own death?
Of what do Dimmesdale's parishioners believe Dimmesdale's death would be a sign? To what would Dimmesdale attribute his own death?
- Dimmesdale would attribute his death to unworthiness.
- Dimmesdale's death indicates sinfulness.
- Dimmesdale’s death would signify the world was not worthy of him.
- Both B and C. (correct)
What 'absurd' rumor is told about Roger Chillingworth?
What 'absurd' rumor is told about Roger Chillingworth?
In whom does the doctor immediately take a strong interest?
In whom does the doctor immediately take a strong interest?
What does Dimmesdale say would make him content?
What does Dimmesdale say would make him content?
To what does Chillingworth attribute Dimmesdale's eagerness to die? What does Dimmesdale say to contradict him?
To what does Chillingworth attribute Dimmesdale's eagerness to die? What does Dimmesdale say to contradict him?
In what is Chillingworth interested?
In what is Chillingworth interested?
In what is Dimmesdale interested?
In what is Dimmesdale interested?
What does Roger Chillingworth try to probe? Why does he do this?
What does Roger Chillingworth try to probe? Why does he do this?
What do the townspeople want Dimmesdale to do? In what way does Dimmesdale react to this suggestion?
What do the townspeople want Dimmesdale to do? In what way does Dimmesdale react to this suggestion?
Do you agree with the townspeople that 'this sagacious, experienced, benevolent, old physician' is the best person to be watching over Dimmesdale?
Do you agree with the townspeople that 'this sagacious, experienced, benevolent, old physician' is the best person to be watching over Dimmesdale?
What Biblical stories are depicted on the tapestries in Dimmesdale's room? Why are these images particularly appropriate for Dimmesdale?
What Biblical stories are depicted on the tapestries in Dimmesdale's room? Why are these images particularly appropriate for Dimmesdale?
What have a number of people noted about Roger Chillingworth? To what do some people attribute this change?
What have a number of people noted about Roger Chillingworth? To what do some people attribute this change?
What do some people think is happening between Chillingworth and Dimmesdale? What do these people believe the outcome will be? Why?
What do some people think is happening between Chillingworth and Dimmesdale? What do these people believe the outcome will be? Why?
Study Notes
Roger Chillingworth's Identity
- Chillingworth fears being publicly shamed alongside Hester if he reveals himself as her husband.
- He is accepted by the Puritan community due to his medical background and foreign expertise in untested cures.
Dimmesdale's Perception of Death
- Parishioners see Dimmesdale's potential death as a sign of his worthiness, while he views it as an indication of his unworthiness to fulfill his duties on Earth.
Chillingworth's Rumors and Interests
- A strange rumor circulates that heavenly forces delivered Chillingworth as a physician to Dimmesdale.
- Chillingworth takes a strong interest in Dimmesdale, probing his heart and character.
Dimmesdale's Desire for Peace
- Dimmesdale wishes for his sins to die with him, implying a desire for salvation and release from guilt.
- Chillingworth believes Dimmesdale’s eagerness to die comes from his holiness, which is contested by Dimmesdale’s self-reflection on worthiness.
Interaction Between Chillingworth and Dimmesdale
- Chillingworth attempts to extract the truth from Dimmesdale about his past while remaining evasive about his own intentions.
- Dimmesdale, while acknowledging Chillingworth's intellect, appears concerned about their relationship's moral implications.
Townspeople's Expectations
- The townspeople want Dimmesdale to marry a local woman, a suggestion he declines, showing his inner turmoil and unresolved guilt.
Perception of Chillingworth
- Many believe Chillingworth’s darkening demeanor is due to the influences of his surroundings, particularly from his laboratory.
- There is a prevailing suspicion that Chillingworth is using his medical role to torment Dimmesdale.
Biblical Symbolism
- Tapestries in Dimmesdale’s room depict the story of David and Bathsheba, highlighting themes of sin and moral failure, which resonate with Dimmesdale's own struggles.
Community Perspectives
- Some townspeople speculate on Chillingworth's influence over Dimmesdale, fearing he is a sinister force sent to torment the minister, who they believe will ultimately triumph in moral glory.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 9 from 'The Scarlet Letter'. This quiz covers important themes and character insights, particularly focusing on Roger Chillingworth and his role in the Puritan community. Perfect for literature students and fans of Hawthorne's work!
