Scarlet Letter Chapters 11-24 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the author's view of the story?

He thinks we shouldn't judge people because nobody is perfect.

What is Hawthorne's message with the book?

Accept your flaws and be true to yourself.

What made Hester feel like she should tell Dimmesdale the truth?

Because of how sick he became.

Why did Hester feel like she could break Chillingworth's promise?

Because he had become evil. Signup and view all the answers

Hester feels like she can sense other's sins because....

Of her own sins and how alone she has been. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pearl do when Dimmesdale dies?

Cries because she realizes that he is her father. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Pearl at the end of the book?

Chillingworth leaves Pearl his entire inheritance and she marries royalty. Signup and view all the answers

When does Dimmesdale reveal his secret?

At the election on the scaffold with Pearl and Hester with him. Signup and view all the answers

What were people's ideas of his last sermon?

They thought it was his best one yet, and they compared it to the voice of the sea. Signup and view all the answers

Right before Dimmesdale died, what stood out about Dimmesdale?

He had a burst of energy and gave an impassioned sermon. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Dimmesdale have so much energy?

He knew freedom was coming. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale plan to move?

A big city in England. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Hester push to go to England?

There was a boat already there and Dimmesdale was dying because of Chillingworth. Signup and view all the answers

After Dimmesdale's death, what does Hester do?

She disappears to England with Pearl. Signup and view all the answers

When does Hester reappear?

When she is an old woman. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester do with the A?

She wears it for the rest of her life. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Hibbons?

Governor Bellingham's sister who identified herself as a witch. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hibbons tell Pearl?

The devil is her father and invites her to fly with her coven in the night. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hibbons recognize about Dimmesdale?

That he has changed and claimed to have seen him in the woods. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Chillingworth want Dimmesdale to reveal his secret?

Because then the purpose of his life would be over. Signup and view all the answers

When does Chillingworth die?

A year after Dimmesdale because he has nothing left to live for. Signup and view all the answers

What does the forest symbolize?

Darkness, evil, secrets. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dimmesdale put his hand over his chest?

To signify his wounds from sin, but really he has the A scarred into him. Signup and view all the answers

How did Dimmesdale get the A?

He branded it onto himself. Signup and view all the answers

How do people think Dimmesdale got the A?

God or the devil branded it into him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pearl identify her mom by?

The scarlet letter. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pearl notice about the sunlight in the woods?

The sun would never shine on Hester or the A. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Pearl when Hester removes the A?

Pearl throws a tantrum and will not go to her until she puts it back on. Signup and view all the answers

After many years, the magistrates....

Debate letting Hester remove the letter. Signup and view all the answers

What do the people of the poor shelters think the A meant?

'Able' - able to help others. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester do when she comes back to her cottage?

She becomes a mentor to young women dealing with pain and sin—her last lets her avoid judgement. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Hester buried next to?

Dimmesdale. Signup and view all the answers

What is the only thing written on the tombstone of Hester and Dimmesdale?

A large A. Signup and view all the answers

Pearl is compared to...

Devils, fairies. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author's Perspective

The story critiques human judgment and emphasizes that everyone is flawed and imperfect.
Hawthorne conveys a powerful message about embracing one’s imperfections and living authentically.

Hester and Dimmesdale

Hester feels compelled to reveal the truth to Dimmesdale due to his deteriorating health.
She believes it's justified to break her promise to Chillingworth because of his malevolent transformation.
Hester possesses an acute awareness of the sins of others, stemming from her own guilt and solitude.

Pearl's Development

Pearl recognizes her paternity when Dimmesdale dies, reacting with tears of understanding.
She inherits Chillingworth's wealth and marries into royalty, signifying her redemption and return to societal acceptance.

Dimmesdale's Revelation

Dimmesdale publicly confesses his secret during an election sermon, with Hester and Pearl at his side.
His final sermon is lauded as his finest, praised for its passion and compared to the sea's resonance.
Prior to his death, he is invigorated with a sense of impending freedom.

Hester's Decisions

Hester and Dimmesdale plan to escape to a large city in England, motivated by Dimmesdale's declining health.
After Dimmesdale's death, Hester chooses to retreat to England with Pearl.
She reappears decades later as an elderly woman, having continued to wear the scarlet letter as a symbol of her identity.

Secondary Characters

Hibbins, Governor Bellingham's sister and self-identified witch, recognizes Dimmesdale's inner turmoil.
Chillingworth's life loses purpose after Dimmesdale's passing; he dies a year later.

Symbolism in the Forest

The forest symbolizes secrecy, evil, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Dimmesdale physically signifies his remorse by placing his hand over his heart, alluding to his hidden sin and the scarlet letter branded on him.

The Scarlet Letter's Perception

Some townspeople believe Dimmesdale’s scarlet letter is a divine mark, while Pearl associates it with her mother.
Upon Hester’s removal of the letter, Pearl reacts negatively, underlining the letter's significance in their relationship.

Hester's Legacy

After returning to her cottage, Hester becomes a source of guidance for young women facing societal judgment.
She is buried next to Dimmesdale, with only a large letter "A" inscribed on their tombstone, representing their complicated legacy and connection.

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Description

Test your understanding of the key themes and messages in chapters 11 to 24 of 'The Scarlet Letter.' This quiz will explore the author's views, character motivations, and significant events that shape the narrative. Perfect for reinforcing your knowledge of this classic novel!