Scarlet Letter Chapters 6-10 Review

Questions and Answers

What, according to the narrator, is ironic about Pearl's existence?

Pearl is the reason for all her mother's troubles because her sin could not have remained hidden had she not become pregnant. Despite this, Pearl is now Hester's reason for living.

What is the significance of Pearl's name?

Hester chose the name Pearl because Pearl was 'purchased' with all she had and was her mother's only treasure.

What is significant about Pearl's temperament?

Her temperament is reflective of her origin. She is the product of a broken rule and will not obey rules herself.

Explain the ambiguity in Pearl's background.

Townspeople believe Pearl is the incarnation of the Devil, while Hester believes Pearl is the physical embodiment of her sin. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hester explain Pearl's existence?

God gave Pearl to Hester as a sort of salvation and a reason to live. Signup and view all the answers

How sincerely concerned are the townspeople of Salem for the souls of Hester and Pearl?

They were not sincerely concerned; they were just looking for someone to serve as the scapegoat. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the Governor's garden with gardens in Old England. What is significant about the difference?

The Governor's garden is more practical, with cabbages and pumpkin vines, rather than ornate like the gardens in Old England. Signup and view all the answers

How is Pearl dressed, and what is her dress compared to?

Pearl is wearing a scarlet dress with gold embroidery, compared to the living version of the scarlet letter. Signup and view all the answers

Where else have we seen a rosebush in this novel? What was its significance then?

We saw a rosebush by the entrance to the prison, symbolizing hope. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the Puritan attitude toward luxury and how Governor Bellingham and the Reverend John Wilson responded to it.

Puritans claimed to not believe in luxury but lived a double life enjoying luxuries privately. Signup and view all the answers

How do the magistrates react to Pearl and why?

The magistrates are shocked because they believe Hester is raising Pearl in defiance of proper manners. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hester behave towards the magistrates and why?

She acts desperate, getting rid of any dignity she has left to prove she can be a good mother to Pearl. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hester feel that Dimmesdale should speak on her behalf?

She says he was her pastor and in charge of her soul, therefore he should know her better than the other men. Signup and view all the answers

Why would Hawthorne have Pearl perform such an uncharacteristically tender action?

Hawthorne shows throughout the novel that people are connected, suggesting a bond between Dimmesdale and Pearl. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chillingsworth note about Dimmesdale's defense of Hester?

Chillingsworth says that Dimmesdale spoke with a strange earnestness. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how Dimmesdale has changed since Hester's public punishment.

Dimmesdale's health and physical appearance have deteriorated, and he has a nervous demeanor. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how Chillingsworth has changed over the last few years.

Chillingsworth's features have gotten uglier and his complexion has gotten darker. Signup and view all the answers

What would physiognomy suggest about Dimmesdale and Chillingsworth?

Chillingsworth is getting more evil while Dimmesdale is plagued by guilt causing his decline. Signup and view all the answers

Why would Hawthorne want to include Mistress Hibbins as a minor character?

Hibbins offers Hester friendship, showing Hester's devotion to being a Christian despite ostracism. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Chillingsworth assert his rights as Hester's husband?

He does not want to be dishonored for being her husband while she is punished for adultery. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the townspeople's opinion about the cause of Dimmesdale's failing health to Dimmesdale's own opinion.

Townspeople think he is too devoted to his work; Dimmesdale thinks he is being punished by God. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dimmesdale reject Chillingsworth's offer of help?

Dimmesdale believes his condition to be spiritual and no earthly doctor can help him. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the ambiguity of the chapter's title, 'The Leech.'

The term 'leech' is ambiguous as it applies to both prominent characters in the chapter. Signup and view all the answers

What is the contrast between Chillingsworth and Dimmesdale likely to shape in the future of the novel?

Chillingsworth is a man of science while Dimmesdale is a man of faith, likely leading to conflict. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Chillingsworth's method for treating illness.

He acts as more of a psychologist towards Dimmesdale, observing his reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the relationship between Dimmesdale and Chillingsworth.

There is an intellectual intimacy as Chillingsworth probes Dimmesdale's heart and soul. Signup and view all the answers

What is the second view about Chillingsworth held by some people in the community?

Some people believed that he was Satan or sent by Satan to plot against Dimmesdale's soul. Signup and view all the answers

How do the people explain 'the gloom and terror in the depths of the poor minister's eyes'?

They think he is being haunted by the devil (Chillingsworth). Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by the names Chillingsworth and Dimmesdale?

Chillingsworth has 'chilling' relating to fear, while Dimmesdale has 'dim' relating to a loss of light. Signup and view all the answers

What is suspicious about Dimmesdale's position in his debate with Chillingsworth about sin?

He is defending his own side without anyone realizing it. Signup and view all the answers

How do the black flowers initiate a discussion on hidden sins?

Chillingsworth says they grew out of the heart of a dead man who took a hideous secret with him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dimmesdale's rationale for not confessing a hidden sin support salvation by works?

Dimmesdale believes that by not confessing and doing his work, he will earn salvation. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphors does Hawthorne establish for Chillingsworth's probe?

Chillingsworth is described as a leech and a gold miner, sucking out information from Dimmesdale. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chillingsworth mean when he mutters about the connection between soul and body?

He means that his sickness affects him both physically and emotionally. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chillingsworth do while Dimmesdale sleeps, and what does his action show?

He pushes aside Dimmesdale's robes revealing something on his chest, causing Dimmesdale to shudder. Signup and view all the answers

What specific secret does Chillingsworth discover?

Chillingsworth discovers that Dimmesdale is the father of baby Pearl. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Themes and Characters

Pearl’s ironic existence: Represents both Hester's sin and her reason for living; brings trouble yet is a treasure.
Pearl's name: Chosen by Hester indicating that Pearl is a significant treasure, "purchased" with her life.
Pearl’s temperament reflects her birth: Unruly and wild, symbolizing the consequences of passion and societal rules.

Ambiguity Surrounding Pearl

Town's belief: Pearl is viewed as the Devil's incarnation, while Hester sees her as a manifestation of her own sin.
Hester’s perspective on Pearl: Considers Pearl a gift from God, providing her with a sense of purpose amidst her punishment.

Society’s Attitudes and Critiques

Townspeople's insincerity: Their concern for Hester and Pearl is shallow, driven by the need for a scapegoat rather than genuine empathy.
Governor's garden symbolism: Reflects Puritan values; practicality over ornamental beauty illustrates the failure to transplant Old World ideals.

Symbolism and Dress

Pearl’s scarlet dress: A living representation of the scarlet letter, showing her peculiar connection to Hester’s shame.
Rosebush symbol: Represents hope, as seen near the prison, maintaining its significance in the narrative.

Conflicts and Reactions

Puritan hypocrisy: Leaders like Bellingham and Wilson condemn luxury while secretly indulging, highlighting their double standards.
Magistrates' shock at Pearl: Indicates societal expectations around propriety and the judgment cast upon Hester's parenting.

Relationships and Tensions

Hester’s desperation: Displays her willingness to sacrifice dignity for Pearl’s well-being, arguing for her capability as a mother.
Dimmesdale's role: Hester believes he should advocate for her, as he has spiritual authority regarding her sin.

Chillingsworth's Observations

Chillingsworth's comments on Dimmesdale: Noteworthy for their insight into Dimmesdale's sincere yet troubled defense of Hester.
Dimmesdale's decline: Health deteriorates, reflecting guilt and internal conflict following Hester’s punishment.

Physiognomy and Character Analysis

Chillingsworth’s transformation: Physical ugliness mirrors his growing malice, while Dimmesdale's state reveals his internal struggles.
Intellectual connection: Dimmesdale and Chillingsworth share an intriguing bond that emphasizes contrasting views of faith and science.

Community Perspectives

Divided opinions on Chillingsworth: While some see him as a healer, others view him as a potential threat to Dimmesdale's soul.
Local explanations for Dimmesdale's demeanor: Believed to be haunted by his secret, emphasizing the theme of hidden sins.

Notable Symbolisms and Metaphors

Names significance: Chillingsworth connotes fear; Dimmesdale suggests dimmed morality and spiritual struggles.
Chillingsworth’s probing: His methods resemble those of a leech and a gold miner, portraying his manipulative nature and quest for truth.

Sin and Confession

Dimmesdale’s refusal to reveal sin: Sees his undiscussed guilt as essential to his ministerial identity, believing his works might ensure salvation.
Chillingsworth's recognition: His inappropriate actions while Dimmesdale sleeps reveal deep knowledge of Dimmesdale’s hidden guilt.

Conclusion

Chillingsworth's discovery: He uncovers Dimmesdale's secret regarding his fatherhood of Pearl, foreshadowing future conflicts stemming from this revelation.

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Description

This quiz helps you review key concepts from chapters 6 to 10 of 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Explore Pearl's significance and the irony of her existence in relation to Hester Prynne's journey. Test your understanding of important themes and character developments in this classic novel.