Questions and Answers
What is significant about Hester's position in the community now that years have passed?
Hester is more highly regarded now than she was previously. The people have chosen to view her 'A' as symbolizing that she is able.
Compare the feelings of the general public to those of the community leaders regarding Hester Prynne. Explain why the groups view her differently.
The general public had forgiven her and started acting kindly towards her, but the community leaders had taken longer to forgive her. They had prejudices formed towards her that were harder to get out of their heads.
Why isn't forgiveness an opinion according to Anti-Transcendentalists?
They believe that humans possess both good and evil, and when they sin, forgiveness isn't an option because it isn't part of their nature.
How is the doctrine of predestination reflected in the conversation between Hester and Chillingworth?
Signup and view all the answers
Why does Chillingworth believe he has a double reason for punishing Dimmesdale?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Hester ask of Chillingworth? What is his response?
Signup and view all the answers
What pleas of Hester's arouse sympathy and admiration in Chillingworth?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Hester coming to realize is the true sin she has committed?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Hester realize about her 'repentance'?
Signup and view all the answers
Why does Hester hate Chillingworth?
Signup and view all the answers
Why does Hester refuse to answer Pearl's question about the meaning of the 'A'?
Signup and view all the answers
Why does Hawthorne portray Pearl as a wild child?
Signup and view all the answers
How have Hester's conversations with Chillingworth and Pearl changed her attitude toward herself and her sin?
Signup and view all the answers
What social changes does Hawthorne describe in this chapter?
Signup and view all the answers
Explain the statement: 'It is remarkable, that persons who speculate the most boldly often conform with the most perfect quietude to the external regulations of society.'
Signup and view all the answers
Compare the initial intent behind the scarlet letter to its actual effect on Hester.
Signup and view all the answers
What does Hester resolve to do and why?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Hawthorne's point comparing Hester's and Dimmesdale's reactions to their sin?
Signup and view all the answers
What image is Hawthorne evoking with Chillingworth digging up roots and collecting leaves in the forest?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is Chillingworth called a 'leech' when interacting with Dimmesdale and a 'physician' with Hester?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Hester's response to the announcement that the Council debated allowing her to remove her scarlet letter?
Signup and view all the answers
Explain the significance of the sunlight imagery.
Signup and view all the answers
Why does Hester determine to warn Dimmesdale about Chillingworth, and why do they meet in the forest?
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.'
Signup and view all the answers
What positive significance does the forest begin to take on?
Signup and view all the answers
What negative significance does the forest begin to take on?
Signup and view all the answers
In what way does Hester acknowledge her sin to Pearl?
Signup and view all the answers
How is Hawthorne advancing his theme of the difference between revealed and secret sin?
Signup and view all the answers
Explain the distinction Dimmesdale makes between penance and penitence.
Signup and view all the answers
What do we learn about the emotional connection between Hester and Dimmesdale?
Signup and view all the answers
Do you believe Hester is to blame for Dimmesdale's suffering during the past seven years? Why or why not?
Signup and view all the answers
What theme about the nature of sin begins to emerge in Hester and Dimmesdale's conversation?
Signup and view all the answers
Can a 'polluted soul' do good for others?
Signup and view all the answers
Who are the heartless people with laws of iron to whom Hester refers?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the source of the optimism at the end of the chapter?
Signup and view all the answers
Why would children dislike Dimmesdale?
Signup and view all the answers
How does Hawthorne reinforce his idea that nature is sympathetic with the union of Hester and Dimmesdale?
Signup and view all the answers
What is significant about the title of this chapter?
Signup and view all the answers
Why does Dimmesdale decide to flee with Hester?
Signup and view all the answers
What contrast does the narrator point out between Hester and Dimmesdale's ability to leave town?
Signup and view all the answers
Why won't Pearl come to Hester without the scarlet letter?
Signup and view all the answers
What is significant about the fact that Pearl will not bring her the scarlet letter, but makes her pick it up for herself?
Signup and view all the answers
Why won't Pearl show any affection to Dimmesdale? Why does she want him to walk with them hand-in-hand in the marketplace?
Signup and view all the answers
On what kind of note does the chapter end? Why?
Signup and view all the answers
What accounts for Dimmesdale's sudden change?
Signup and view all the answers
In terms of Hawthorne's theme contrasting hidden sin versus revealed sin, how can you explain Dimmesdale's change in this chapter?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is the chapter called 'The Minister in a Maze'?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Hester's Position and Community Perception
- Hester's status in the community improves over time; her scarlet letter "A" evolves into a symbol of her ability and strength.
- The general public forgives Hester quicker than community leaders, who struggle with ingrained prejudice.
Anti-Transcendentalist Beliefs
- The belief system states that human nature encompasses both good and evil, making forgiveness difficult after sin.
- Predestination is a central theme, suggesting individuals are powerless against their fates.
Chillingworth's Revenge and Relationships
- Chillingworth feels justified to punish Dimmesdale due to personal betrayal and his long-term vendetta.
- Hester pleads with Chillingworth to refrain from tormenting Dimmesdale, emphasizing divine judgment over human interference.
Hester's Realizations
- Hester acknowledges that her real sin is marrying Chillingworth out of convenience rather than love.
- She believes her repentance cannot be fulfilled until her daughter Pearl understands her true identity.
Pearl and Hester's Complex Relationship
- Hester refrains from explaining the "A" to Pearl, citing her youth as a barrier to understanding.
- Pearl personifies chaos and nature's wildness, reflecting sin's nature and Hester's emotional turmoil.
Social and Philosophical Changes
- The narrative presents a shift toward communal forgiveness and a re-evaluation of Hester's sin as a catalyst for positive change.
- Irony is noted in how bold thinkers often conform to societal norms, contrasting Hester’s inner strength with her external circumstances.
Effects of the Scarlet Letter
- The scarlet letter’s original intent is punitive, but Hester transforms its meaning into something more positive, involving charitable acts.
- Hester resolves to persuade Chillingworth to desists in his attempts to harm Dimmesdale.
Themes of Sin and Salvation
- Hawthorne contrasts Hester's acceptance of her sin with Dimmesdale's concealed struggles, illustrating how acknowledgment can bring relief.
- Chillingworth’s visual description in the forest evokes images of decay and evil, likened to a devilish figure.
Symbolism of the Forest and Nature
- The forest symbolizes both a place of freedom and a domain of evil, serving as a backdrop for pivotal meetings between characters.
- Hester's acknowledgment of her sin to Pearl further reinforces the book's exploration of revealed and secret sins.
Dimmesdale's Dilemma
- Dimmesdale differentiates between penance (active suffering) and penitence (genuine remorse), complicating his moral journey.
- The emotional connection between Hester and Dimmesdale highlights the theme of interconnectedness in sin and suffering.
Hester's Endeavors for Redemption
- Hester contemplates the implications of removing her scarlet letter, equating it to a divine intervention rather than a societal one.
- Children’s disdain for Dimmesdale reflects the societal repercussions of hidden sin, contrasting with Hester’s visible punishment.
Climax and Resolution
- The chapter closes on an optimistic note, rooted in Hester and Dimmesdale's plan to escape together, diverging from their painful past.
- Pearl’s role in this dynamic, particularly her refusal to accept Dimmesdale without the scarlet letter, underscores the theme of identity and acceptance.
Transformation of Dimmesdale
- Dimmesdale’s sudden change and the climax signify a turn in his character, influenced by the struggles between hidden and revealed sin.
- The title "The Minister in a Maze" encapsulates his confusion and moral entrapment, illustrating the complexity of his plight.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of chapters 13-20 of 'The Scarlet Letter' with these review questions. Explore Hester's evolving role in the community and the differing perceptions between the public and leaders. Dive deep into the themes and character developments in this classic novel.
