The Scarlet Letter Analysis

Questions and Answers

What is happening to Reverend Dimmesdale's physical condition?

It's declining; he turns pale, emaciated, and often has his hand over his heart.

How do people explain the appearance of Roger Chillingworth in Boston?

A miracle; they believe God transported him across the ocean to Dimmesdale's door.

What is the relationship between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth?

They are somewhat friends; Dimmesdale finds it refreshing to talk to Roger, becoming more than just doctor and patient.

What is the townspeople's opinion of Roger Chillingworth at the end of the chapter?

They believe he is brought by the devil; he appears more evil, 'sooty with smoke', and suspected of witchcraft. Signup and view all the answers

According to Dimmesdale, why don't guilty men confess their sins?

Because they are too cowardly, and he feels he can't remain a pastor if he reveals his secret. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pearl do when she sees Dimmesdale?

She throws a burr at him and tells her mother to run away. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Pearl refer to as the black man?

Roger. Signup and view all the answers

What happens while Dimmesdale is sleeping?

Roger stalks him, sneaks into his room, and looks under his cloak. Signup and view all the answers

How has the relationship between the two men changed?

It remains externally the same. Signup and view all the answers

What is happening to Dimmesdale's popularity as a minister?

They love him; he is viewed almost as God and is revered by the congregation. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dimmesdale purify himself?

He beats himself until he's bloody. Signup and view all the answers

Who visits Dimmesdale in his thoughts?

His dead mother, father, Hester, and Pearl. Signup and view all the answers

How much time has passed in the novel now?

Seven years. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Dimmesdale go on his night walk?

The scaffold. Signup and view all the answers

Why are Hester and Pearl out late on this night?

They are taking measurements for Governor Winthrop's death gown. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pearl ask Dimmesdale to do, and what is his reply?

She asks him to stand at noontide tomorrow; he replies not tomorrow, but at the great judgment day. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale think he sees in the night sky?

A meteor making a scarlet A in the sky showing him his sin; others saw it as an A for angel for Governor Winthrop. Signup and view all the answers

How is Hester now perceived and treated by the community?

She is looked at as helpful; while they still gossip, it is secondary; the A now means able. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the physical changes in Hester and Reverend Dimmesdale.

Hester is no longer pretty; Dimmesdale is mentally emaciated and sickly. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusions has Hester reached about women and their role in society?

She believes it is difficult to be a woman, limited to raising kids and doing housework, and feels suicidal at times. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the line 'the scarlet letter had not done its office.'

It was meant to correct Hester's path, but it hasn’t; she can still think what she wants. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hester determined to do as a result of her meeting with Dimmesdale?

Confront Roger, telling him she will break the promise to tell Dimmesdale the truth. Signup and view all the answers

What changes does Hester notice in Roger Chillingworth?

He hasn't grown older, but he appears eager, searching, almost fierce; his eyes have a darker evil. Signup and view all the answers

How does Roger say he has changed?

He describes himself as a fiend. Signup and view all the answers

How does Roger respond when Hester suggests that he has done Dimmesdale harm?

He claims to have no better physician; he has kept Dimmesdale alive to torture him as it is enjoyable. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester ask Roger to do, and what is his reply?

Hester asks him to stop torturing Dimmesdale and to forgive him; he responds that it is his fate. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester say is the major offense Roger has done to her?

Marrying her knowing she would never love him and treating her like a pet. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Pearl say Hester wears the A?

It is for the same reason the minister keeps his hand over his heart. Signup and view all the answers

What three questions does Pearl ask her mother?

What does the scarlet letter mean? Why do you wear it on your bosom? Why does the minister put his hand on his heart? Signup and view all the answers

What answers does Hester give?

She says not to ask such questions; she wears the letter for its gold thread. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the setting in which Hester and Dimmesdale meet?

The truth lies in the forest. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hawthorne doing with the light in this chapter?

He uses it to illustrate sin; Pearl shows no sorrow. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast Pearl and the brook.

Both are playful and continual but have a sad and melancholy tone. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the highlights of the black man story.

It involves Hester's sin and Mistress Hibbins telling Pearl her mother met the black man; the letter is his mark. Signup and view all the answers

What is said about the involvement of both Hester and Dimmesdale with the black man?

They both met him once; Hester bears her mark visibly while Dimmesdale's is not. Signup and view all the answers

How is Dimmesdale's appearance described at the end of this chapter?

He looked haggard and feeble. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reverend Dimmesdale's Condition

Dimmesdale's health is deteriorating; he appears pale and emaciated.
He often places his hand over his heart, indicating inner turmoil.

Roger Chillingworth's Arrival

Chillingworth's arrival in Boston is perceived as miraculous, as if God transported him.
His presence is linked to dark connotations among the townspeople.

Relationship Between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth

Dimmesdale and Chillingworth share an intellectual camaraderie, evolving from doctor-patient to closer friends.

Townspeople's Opinion on Chillingworth

Chillingworth is viewed suspiciously; locals suggest he may be in league with the devil.
His appearance is described as ominous, reinforcing perceptions of witchcraft.

Guilt and Confession

Dimmesdale reflects on the cowardice of guilty men who deny their sins, fearing the loss of their pastoral role.

Pearl's Reaction to Dimmesdale

Pearl demonstrates hostility towards Dimmesdale, throwing a burr at him and urging Hester to escape.

Pearl's Reference to "The Black Man"

Pearl refers to Roger Chillingworth as "the black man," associating him with evil.

Chillingworth's Stalking of Dimmesdale

Chillingworth invades Dimmesdale's privacy by sneaking into his room while he sleeps.

Dimmesdale's Popularity

Dimmesdale's popularity is increasing; he is viewed almost as a divine figure by his congregation.

Self-Purification Methods

Dimmesdale engages in self-punishment, physically harming himself to purify his soul.

Dimmesdale's Visions

He envisions his deceased parents and is haunted by the ghost of his sin, represented by Pearl's actions.

Time Passage in the Novel

Seven years have elapsed since the initial events of the story, deepening the characters' struggles.

Dimmesdale's Night Walk

He takes a contemplative walk to the scaffold, emphasizing his torment.

Hester and Pearl's Purpose on Late Night

They are out collecting measurements for Governor Winthrop’s burial gown.

Dimmesdale's Future Intent

Pearl asks Dimmesdale to stand with them the next day; he ambiguously references a future judgment day.

Meteor Interpretation

Dimmesdale sees a meteor forming a scarlet "A," symbolizing his sin, while others interpret it as a sign for Winthrop.

Hester's Community Perception

Hester is now seen as a figure of goodwill; her scarlet letter "A" symbolizes her ability rather than shame.

Physical Changes in Hester and Dimmesdale

Hester's beauty has faded, and Dimmesdale appears mentally and physically weakened.

Hester's Views on Women

Hester laments the limitations imposed on women, expressing despair over societal expectations and contemplating drastic measures.

The Scarlet Letter's Role

The scarlet letter was intended to penalize Hester but has instead allowed freedom of thought, showing that punishment can be ineffective.

Hester's Resolution

After meeting with Dimmesdale, Hester resolves to confront Chillingworth about keeping the truth from Dimmesdale.

Changes in Chillingworth

Chillingworth exhibits a more sinister demeanor, described as having a "blackness" reflecting his inner corruption.

Chillingworth's Admission

He acknowledges his fiendish transformation and revels in his role as Dimmesdale's tormentor.

Hester's Appeals to Chillingworth

Hester implores Chillingworth to forgive Dimmesdale and abandon his revenge, but he remains unyielding.

Hester's View on Marriage

Hester accuses Chillingworth of primarily using her as a possession and not as an equal partner.

Pearl's Insight

Pearl connects her mother's scarlet letter to Dimmesdale's secret, hinting at the shared nature of their guilt.

Pearl's Inquisitive Nature

Pearl innocently questions Hester about the meaning of the scarlet letter and Dimmesdale’s hand position.

Hester's Responses

Hester discourages Pearl's inquiries, suggesting that such questions are inappropriate.

Significance of Meeting Location

The forest symbolizes the possibility of truth and liberation, contrasting with the constraints of Puritan society.

Symbolism of Light

Light is employed by Hawthorne to signify sin, with Pearl representing innocence despite the surrounding darkness.

Pearl and the Brook Comparison

Both Pearl and the brook exhibit a playful and lively spirit but also convey a sense of melancholy.

Black Man Story Highlights

The tale of the black man reflects Hester's transgressions, emphasizing the theme of sin and its repercussions.

Shared Guilt Between Hester and Dimmesdale

Both characters have encountered the black man, receiving marks of sin; Hester’s is external, while Dimmesdale’s is internal.

Dimmesdale's Appearance

By the end of the chapter, Dimmesdale's description portrays him as frail and exhausted from his internal struggles.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationships between Reverend Dimmesdale and Roger Chillingworth in Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter.' Delve into themes of guilt, health deterioration, and public perception. This quiz challenges your understanding of character dynamics and moral conflicts in the narrative.