Scarlet Letter Chapters 12-16 Vocabulary Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does 'Plebeia' refer to?

A commoner (correct)

A soldier

A nobleman

A merchant

What is the definition of 'Emolument'?

A salary fee, or profit from employment of office.

Define 'Efficacy'.

The ability to produce a desired or intended result.

What does 'Imbued' mean?

Inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'Caprice'?

A sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Mutability' refer to?

Liability or tendency to change. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'Amenable'.

(of a person) open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Imperious' mean?

Assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Pallid' refer to?

(of a person's face) pale, typically because of poor health. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Cabalistic' relate to?

Relating to or associated with mystical interpretation or esoteric doctrine. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Extant' mean?

(especially of a document) still in existence; surviving. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'Adduced'.

Cite as evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Vehement' mean?

Showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense. Signup and view all the answers

How is the episode of Dimmesdale's midnight vigil on the scaffold structurally significant?

Even though it's not a public confession, he is finally confessing to himself which is a step toward self-forgiveness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Pearl's challenge to Dimmesdale?

Pearl is giving him a chance to admit the truth. Even though she gave him this opportunity he still doesn't admit to being her father. Signup and view all the answers

Why would Hawthorne choose the night that Dimmesdale stands on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl?

It makes it seem like there's more real meaning; it's another reason for the meteor event. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dimmesdale feel as he holds Pearl's hand? Why?

He is filled with new energy as all their hands connected. He feels life pouring into him once more. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Pearl pull away from Dimmesdale?

She doesn't yet trust him since he won't stand on the scaffold with them during the day. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does Dimmesdale's vigil have on his career?

He is more successful as a preacher. They find his glove on the scaffold and they think it's just the devil planning against him. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Hester's position in the community now that years have passed?

The community now sees Hester for her charity works instead of her sin. The letter now means able instead of adulterous. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the feelings of the general public to those of the community leaders regarding Hester Prynne. Explain why the groups view her differently.

Most people have forgiven Hester and now consider her a part of the community. They’re proud instead of ashamed. The older members are less forgiving; they stick to their beliefs. Leaders are civil law versus the general is moral law. They maintain their rules for their culture. Signup and view all the answers

What social and philosophical changes is Hawthorne describing in this chapter?

The people don't scorn Hester on sight but they don't talk to her. Hester is more sympathetic to the human heart. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the statement: 'It's remarkable, that persons who speculate the most boldly often conform with the most perfect quietude to the external regulations of society. The thought suffices them.'

The people who question society the most are conformed the most. They would rather criticize society than do something to change the way society is. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the initial intent behind the scarlet letter to the actual effect on Hester.

Originally the letter represented her sin and caused her to be ostracized. Now it acts more as a cross (like a nun would wear), giving her a sacredness. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester resolve to do and why?

She resolved to talk to her husband and try to get him to stop torturing Dimmesdale. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hawthorne's point in comparing Hester's and Dimmesdale's reactions to their sins?

Sin is represented in Pearl. Hester has accepted it but Dimmesdale hasn't. He is now dying because of it. His point is to show sin is better when you repent and acknowledge it with penance to be able to move on. Signup and view all the answers

What image is Hawthorne evoking with Chillingworth, old, one shoulder higher than the other, digging up roots and collecting leaves in the forest?

The image of Chillingworth digging up roots represents the devil. The way his body is decaying and his face is getting uglier reflects upon his ugly personality. In Puritan society, the forest represents the devil, so he is in some way like a devil because he is similar to a witch digging up roots. Signup and view all the answers

Notice that Chillingworth is called a 'leech' in the chapters in which he interacts with Dimmesdale but a 'physician' in his interaction with Hester. Considering the definition of leech, what is Hawthorne's point in using these two designations?

Chillingworth represents the evil nature of sin, and since Dimmesdale is holding on to his sin, he is able to suck the life out of him (he latches onto that). Hester has let go of her sin because there is nothing for him to latch onto. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hester's response to the announcement that the council had debated allowing her to remove her scarlet letter?

It's not their decision to remove it, it's God's, but if she wasn't fit for it then it would either fall off or change. Again she is denying civil law. Signup and view all the answers

How is the doctrine of predestination reflected in this conversation between Hester and Chillingworth?

Chillingworth states Dimmesdale has increased the debt with suffering. No matter what he does, he damns himself in Chillingworth's eyes. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Chillingworth believe he has a double reason for punishing Dimmesdale?

<ol> <li>Dimmesdale committed adultery with Chillingworth's wife, Hester. 2) Chillingworth has lost years and years of his life seeking revenge on Dimmesdale.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester ask of Chillingworth? What is his response?

Hester asks Chillingworth to stop torturing Dimmesdale and he refuses. Signup and view all the answers

What pleas of Hester's arouse the sympathy and admiration of Chillingworth?

She wanted help from Chillingworth to pardon a man with whom she’s 'sinned' with. She encourages Chillingworth to let go of the revenge which makes him so creepy and depressed. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hester coming to realize is the true sin she has committed? Why would Hawthorne consider this the worse sin than her sin with Dimmesdale?

Her true sin was marrying Chillingworth out of convenience and not love. This is worse because the truth of her adultery was that she loved Dimmesdale and the gift of Pearl that she loved even more. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester realize about her 'repentance'?

She realizes her repentance can never be complete until Pearl knows who she is. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hester hate Chillingworth?

She never loved him in the first place and now he's plotting against her and Dimmesdale. Signup and view all the answers

Hester refuses to answer Pearl's question about the meaning of 'A'. Why does Hester not confide in Pearl?

She says Pearl is too young to understand. Also, 'A' ties Hester and Pearl together. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hawthorne portray Pearl as a wild child?

She embodies the nature of sin causing her to be shown in a chaotic manner. Signup and view all the answers

How have Hester's conversations with Chillingworth and Pearl changed her attitude toward herself and her sin?

The conversations locked Hester into a world of darkness. It makes her realize the evil she has done and the evil she's married. Hester wants better for her daughter. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the sunlight imagery.

Sunlight is used to symbolize happiness, truth, and virtue. Sunlight shines on Pearl but not on Hester and Chillingworth because of the darkness and sin within their hearts. Signup and view all the answers

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

The forest represents a safe haven from judgment and persecution. Hester feels free to speak openly with Dimmesdale in the shadows because it is an open place. Signup and view all the answers

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 in the outdoors where they wouldn't be tempted to have intimacy. Signup and view all the answers

What positive significance does the forest begin to take on?

It's a safe haven. A place for emotion to flow freely in the streams of the forest. Signup and view all the answers

What negative significance does the forest begin to take on?

It begins to assume the place where evil things and Satan are. The Puritans see it as unlawful and the place where evil dwells. 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

Study Notes

Vocabulary Terms

Plebeia: Refers to a commoner, highlighting social class distinctions.
Emolument: Indicates salary or profit derived from a job or office, essential for understanding compensation in positions of power.
Efficacy: The capability to achieve the desired outcome; important in evaluating actions and decisions.
Imbued: To be inspired or filled with particular qualities or feelings; relates to character motivations and emotions.
Caprice: Sudden and unpredictable changes in behavior or mood; relevant in assessing character actions.
Mutability: The inherent tendency of something to change; reflects themes of change in characters and circumstances.
Amenable: Describes an individual who is open to suggestions; important for understanding character dynamics.
Imperious: Characterized by arrogance and asserting unwarranted authority; relevant in analyses of conflicts.
Pallid: Pale appearance, often associated with poor health; can symbolize deeper emotional states.
Cabalistic: Related to mystical interpretations; connects to themes of hidden meanings and secrets.

Plot Points and Character Dynamics

Dimmesdale's midnight vigil represents a crucial internal confession, pivotal for his journey towards self-forgiveness.
Pearl's challenge to Dimmesdale emphasizes the importance of truth, highlighting his struggle to embrace his fatherhood.
Dimmesdale's scaffold moment coincides with government events, enhancing the thematic depth of his public and private turmoil.
Holding Pearl's hand fills Dimmesdale with vitality, symbolizing hope and connection amidst his internal struggles.
Pearl's mistrust is evident as she pulls away from Dimmesdale, showcasing her need for evidence of his sincerity.
Dimmesdale's vigil has paradoxical effects, enhancing his success as a preacher despite the internal battle he faces.

Themes of Society and Morality

Hester's evolving reputation illustrates a shift from sin to charity, challenging societal judgments over time.
Public perception of Hester contrasts significantly with that of community leaders, with social forgiveness versus rigid adherence to laws.
Hawthorne critiques the society's tendency to condemn rather than empathize, representing a moral complexity.
Hester's scarlet letter transitions from a mark of shame to a symbol of strength and resilience through her deeds.

Symbolism and Imagery

The forest represents duality: a sanctuary for personal truths and a space associated with evil, reflecting societal views.
Sunlight serves as a metaphor for truth and happiness, selectively illuminating characters based on their inner states.
Chillingworth's transformation into a "leech" reflects his parasitic nature, contrasting with his title as a "physician" around Hester.

Character Reflections and Conflicts

Hester acknowledges that her true sin lies in marrying Chillingworth for convenience rather than love, revealing deeper emotional turmoil.
Hester's realization about her repentance emphasizes the necessity for Pearl to learn her identity for healing to begin.
Chillingworth's refusal to stop pursuing Dimmesdale signifies an ongoing cycle of revenge that deepens their tragic conflict.
Hester feels empathy for Chillingworth as she recognizes the detrimental effects of his vengeful nature.

Enlightenment through Conversations

Conversations between Hester and Chillingworth expose the darkness of their past, pushing Hester towards a desire for redemption.
Hester's relationship with Pearl highlights the struggle to reconcile her past choices and maternal instincts.

Final Remarks

Hester's struggle against societal judgement and her quest for personal morality underscore Hawthorne’s critique of rigid Puritan ethics.
The text captures a nuanced portrayal of sin and redemption, complicating characters' relationships with their past actions.

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Test your knowledge of key vocabulary from chapters 12 to 16 of 'The Scarlet Letter.' This quiz features important words along with their definitions to help enhance your understanding of the text. Perfect for students looking to improve their comprehension and literary vocabulary.