Podcast
Questions and Answers
Hester Prynne was found to be in a state of nervous ______.
Hester Prynne was found to be in a state of nervous ______.
excitement
Master Brackett, the jailer, decided to introduce a ______ to assist Hester.
Master Brackett, the jailer, decided to introduce a ______ to assist Hester.
physician
The child seemed to have absorbed the mother's turmoil, as it writhed in ______ of pain.
The child seemed to have absorbed the mother's turmoil, as it writhed in ______ of pain.
convulsions
Roger Chillingworth was lodged in the prison, not as a suspect, but as a ______ for the magistrates.
Roger Chillingworth was lodged in the prison, not as a suspect, but as a ______ for the magistrates.
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Upon the arrival of Chillingworth, Hester became as still as ______.
Upon the arrival of Chillingworth, Hester became as still as ______.
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The jailer's response indicated that he perceived Hester as a ______ one.
The jailer's response indicated that he perceived Hester as a ______ one.
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Chillingworth assured the jailer that Hester would be more ______ to authority.
Chillingworth assured the jailer that Hester would be more ______ to authority.
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The stranger entered the room with the characteristic ______ of a physician.
The stranger entered the room with the characteristic ______ of a physician.
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Hester Prynne looked firmly into his face and said, 'That thou shalt never ______!'
Hester Prynne looked firmly into his face and said, 'That thou shalt never ______!'
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The scholar sought to warm Hester by the warmth which her ______ made there.
The scholar sought to warm Hester by the warmth which her ______ made there.
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Hester Prynne clasped her hand over her heart, dreading lest he should read the ______ there at once.
Hester Prynne clasped her hand over her heart, dreading lest he should read the ______ there at once.
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The man who had wronged them both bears no letter of ______ wrought into his garment.
The man who had wronged them both bears no letter of ______ wrought into his garment.
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As a man who has not thought and philosophized in vain, he seeks no ______, plot no evil against Hester.
As a man who has not thought and philosophized in vain, he seeks no ______, plot no evil against Hester.
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Though the husband may be regarded as one already ______, he desires to live and die unknown.
Though the husband may be regarded as one already ______, he desires to live and die unknown.
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Hester questioned why he did not announce himself openly and cast her off at ______.
Hester questioned why he did not announce himself openly and cast her off at ______.
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The scholar warns Hester that if she fails to keep his secret, her husband's ______, position, and life will be in his hands.
The scholar warns Hester that if she fails to keep his secret, her husband's ______, position, and life will be in his hands.
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The old Roger Chillingworth left Hester alone with her infant and the ______ letter.
The old Roger Chillingworth left Hester alone with her infant and the ______ letter.
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Hester smiled at the scholar, troubled at the expression of his ______.
Hester smiled at the scholar, troubled at the expression of his ______.
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The withdrawal of the prison keeper left him face to face with the ______.
The withdrawal of the prison keeper left him face to face with the ______.
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His first care was given to the ______, whose cries made it necessary to soothe her.
His first care was given to the ______, whose cries made it necessary to soothe her.
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He took out a leathern ______ from beneath his dress.
He took out a leathern ______ from beneath his dress.
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His old studies in ______ had made him a better physician.
His old studies in ______ had made him a better physician.
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Hester repelled the offered ______, gazing with apprehension.
Hester repelled the offered ______, gazing with apprehension.
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The physician expressed surprise at Hester's doubt regarding his intentions towards the ______.
The physician expressed surprise at Hester's doubt regarding his intentions towards the ______.
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He mixed another draught, noting that he had learned many new ______ in the wilderness.
He mixed another draught, noting that he had learned many new ______ in the wilderness.
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The draught was meant to calm the swell and heaving of thy ______.
The draught was meant to calm the swell and heaving of thy ______.
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Hester admitted to having thought of ______, expressing a desire for relief.
Hester admitted to having thought of ______, expressing a desire for relief.
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He told Hester that he would give her medicines against all harm and peril of ______.
He told Hester that he would give her medicines against all harm and peril of ______.
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The physician laid his finger on the scarlet ______ on Hester's chest.
The physician laid his finger on the scarlet ______ on Hester's chest.
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Hester could tell that he was treating her as the man whom she had most deeply and ______ injured.
Hester could tell that he was treating her as the man whom she had most deeply and ______ injured.
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He realized that he had lived in ______ up to that late epoch of his life.
He realized that he had lived in ______ up to that late epoch of his life.
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He longed to kindle a ______ in his heart, which had been lonely and chill.
He longed to kindle a ______ in his heart, which had been lonely and chill.
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There was much need of professional __________ for both Hester and her child.
There was much need of professional __________ for both Hester and her child.
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The child was a forcible type of the moral __________ that Hester endured.
The child was a forcible type of the moral __________ that Hester endured.
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Master Brackett described Hester's behavior as __________, dealing with her insubordination.
Master Brackett described Hester's behavior as __________, dealing with her insubordination.
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The jailer marvelled at the comparative __________ that followed Chillingworth's entrance.
The jailer marvelled at the comparative __________ that followed Chillingworth's entrance.
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Chillingworth planned to ensure that Hester would be more __________ to authority than before.
Chillingworth planned to ensure that Hester would be more __________ to authority than before.
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Hester was described as being full of nervous __________, leading to concerns for her well-being.
Hester was described as being full of nervous __________, leading to concerns for her well-being.
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The jailer indicated that there were times when he would have resorted to driving __________ out of Hester with punishment.
The jailer indicated that there were times when he would have resorted to driving __________ out of Hester with punishment.
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Chillingworth was familiar with both Christian and __________ medicine practices.
Chillingworth was familiar with both Christian and __________ medicine practices.
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Hester, I drew thee into my ______, into its innermost chamber.
Hester, I drew thee into my ______, into its innermost chamber.
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I shall seek this man, as I have sought ______ in alchemy.
I shall seek this man, as I have sought ______ in alchemy.
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As for me, I come to the inquest with other ______ than they possess.
As for me, I come to the inquest with other ______ than they possess.
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He bears no letter of infamy wrought into his ______, as thou dost.
He bears no letter of infamy wrought into his ______, as thou dost.
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I would enjoin upon thee, thou hast kept the secret of thy ______.
I would enjoin upon thee, thou hast kept the secret of thy ______.
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His fame, his position, his life will be in my ______.
His fame, his position, his life will be in my ______.
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Let, therefore, thy husband be to the world as one already ______.
Let, therefore, thy husband be to the world as one already ______.
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Breathe not the secret, above all, to the man thou ______ of.
Breathe not the secret, above all, to the man thou ______ of.
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Not thy soul, he answered, with another ______.
Not thy soul, he answered, with another ______.
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Therefore, as a man who has not thought and philosophized in vain, I seek no ______.
Therefore, as a man who has not thought and philosophized in vain, I seek no ______.
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His first care was given to the ______, whose cries made it necessary to soothe her.
His first care was given to the ______, whose cries made it necessary to soothe her.
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The physician observed that his old studies in ______ had made him a better physician.
The physician observed that his old studies in ______ had made him a better physician.
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Hester repelled the offered ______, gazing with apprehension.
Hester repelled the offered ______, gazing with apprehension.
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He presented the cup to Hester, who received it with a slow, earnest look full of ______.
He presented the cup to Hester, who received it with a slow, earnest look full of ______.
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The medicine was described as potent for good, capable of redeeming the ______'s pledge.
The medicine was described as potent for good, capable of redeeming the ______'s pledge.
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Hester Prynne drained the cup and seated herself beside her sleeping ______.
Hester Prynne drained the cup and seated herself beside her sleeping ______.
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The physician noted that he could give her no better gift than to allow her to live with her ______.
The physician noted that he could give her no better gift than to allow her to live with her ______.
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As Hester looked into the physician's eyes, her heart shrank from his familiar, yet ______, gaze.
As Hester looked into the physician's eyes, her heart shrank from his familiar, yet ______, gaze.
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He remarked that the draught would calm the swell and heaving of her ______.
He remarked that the draught would calm the swell and heaving of her ______.
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He informed Hester that he wanted her to bear her doom with her, visible in the eyes of ______.
He informed Hester that he wanted her to bear her doom with her, visible in the eyes of ______.
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The physician felt that it was his folly and her ______ that led to their current situation.
The physician felt that it was his folly and her ______ that led to their current situation.
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He realized that he had given his best years to feed the hungry dream of ______.
He realized that he had given his best years to feed the hungry dream of ______.
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As he spoke, the physician laid his finger on the scarlet letter, which seemed to ______ into Hester’s breast.
As he spoke, the physician laid his finger on the scarlet letter, which seemed to ______ into Hester’s breast.
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He took the child in his arms and ______ the draught himself.
He took the child in his arms and ______ the draught himself.
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Study Notes
Hester Prynne's State and Treatment
- Hester Prynne exhibits nervous excitement upon her return to prison, necessitating watchfulness to prevent self-harm or erratic behavior towards her infant.
- As her resistance to authority escalates, the jailer, Master Brackett, decides to bring in a physician to assist both Hester and her suffering child.
- The physician possesses a blend of Christian medical knowledge and indigenous herbal remedies, indicating a wide-ranging skill set.
The Child's Condition
- Hester's infant reflects her mother's emotional turmoil, experiencing painful convulsions that symbolize Hester's distress.
- The physician quickly prioritizes the child's care, demonstrating his commitment to immediate relief.
Introduction of Roger Chillingworth
- Roger Chillingworth is introduced as an imprisoned man not for any crime, but pending arrangements regarding his ransom with Native American leaders.
- His entrance markedly calms Hester, contrasting with her earlier agitation.
Chillingworth's Intentions
- The physician attempts to reassure Hester about the health of her child, insisting his medicinal potion is intended for healing, not harm.
- Despite Hester's apprehensions, the physician administers the medicine effectively, soothing the infant into sleep.
Relationship Dynamics
- Chillingworth's cold demeanor contrasts with Hester's emotional state, as he examines her both physically and psychologically.
- He provides Hester with a draught purported to ease her emotional pain, linking it to her feelings of shame and guilt.
Reflection on Past Choices
- Hester expresses her thoughts of death and her moral quandary about consuming the potion, revealing her inner conflict.
- Chillingworth reflects on their past relationship, acknowledging mutual wrongs, but emphasizing that both he and Hester are victims of the same man who has wronged them.
The Mystery Man
- Hester resolutely refuses to name the man who is the source of their shared anguish.
- Chillingworth asserts his determination to uncover the identity of Hester’s lover, employing his intellect and intuition.
Power Dynamics and Threats
- Chillingworth’s insistence on keeping their relationship and identities hidden introduces a complex power dynamic, where he claims ownership over Hester and her secret.
- Hester is warned that her silence about Chillingworth's identity is crucial for protecting the man she loves.
Themes of Guilt and Responsibility
- The conversation reveals themes of guilt, infamy, and the burden of hidden sin, embodied in the scarlet letter that marks Hester's shame.
- Chillingworth’s manipulative character poses a dilemma for Hester, as he seeks to wield power over her and her unseen lover.
Enduring Bonds and Isolation
- Despite her shame, Hester’s bond with Chillingworth creates a sense of interconnectedness that complicates her emotional landscape, indicating a mix of love and resentment.
- Chillingworth’s wish to remain unknown underscores his desire to evade the stigma associated with their past, reinforcing the theme of isolation among characters.
Conclusion and Future Implications
- The dialogue captures the tension between Hester’s past choices and the present consequences, hinting at impending emotional and moral conflicts.
- Chillingworth’s last words underscore a disturbing future for Hester, as he questions her ability to endure the psychological torment embodied in the scarlet letter.
Hester Prynne's State and Treatment
- Hester Prynne exhibits nervous excitement upon her return to prison, necessitating watchfulness to prevent self-harm or erratic behavior towards her infant.
- As her resistance to authority escalates, the jailer, Master Brackett, decides to bring in a physician to assist both Hester and her suffering child.
- The physician possesses a blend of Christian medical knowledge and indigenous herbal remedies, indicating a wide-ranging skill set.
The Child's Condition
- Hester's infant reflects her mother's emotional turmoil, experiencing painful convulsions that symbolize Hester's distress.
- The physician quickly prioritizes the child's care, demonstrating his commitment to immediate relief.
Introduction of Roger Chillingworth
- Roger Chillingworth is introduced as an imprisoned man not for any crime, but pending arrangements regarding his ransom with Native American leaders.
- His entrance markedly calms Hester, contrasting with her earlier agitation.
Chillingworth's Intentions
- The physician attempts to reassure Hester about the health of her child, insisting his medicinal potion is intended for healing, not harm.
- Despite Hester's apprehensions, the physician administers the medicine effectively, soothing the infant into sleep.
Relationship Dynamics
- Chillingworth's cold demeanor contrasts with Hester's emotional state, as he examines her both physically and psychologically.
- He provides Hester with a draught purported to ease her emotional pain, linking it to her feelings of shame and guilt.
Reflection on Past Choices
- Hester expresses her thoughts of death and her moral quandary about consuming the potion, revealing her inner conflict.
- Chillingworth reflects on their past relationship, acknowledging mutual wrongs, but emphasizing that both he and Hester are victims of the same man who has wronged them.
The Mystery Man
- Hester resolutely refuses to name the man who is the source of their shared anguish.
- Chillingworth asserts his determination to uncover the identity of Hester’s lover, employing his intellect and intuition.
Power Dynamics and Threats
- Chillingworth’s insistence on keeping their relationship and identities hidden introduces a complex power dynamic, where he claims ownership over Hester and her secret.
- Hester is warned that her silence about Chillingworth's identity is crucial for protecting the man she loves.
Themes of Guilt and Responsibility
- The conversation reveals themes of guilt, infamy, and the burden of hidden sin, embodied in the scarlet letter that marks Hester's shame.
- Chillingworth’s manipulative character poses a dilemma for Hester, as he seeks to wield power over her and her unseen lover.
Enduring Bonds and Isolation
- Despite her shame, Hester’s bond with Chillingworth creates a sense of interconnectedness that complicates her emotional landscape, indicating a mix of love and resentment.
- Chillingworth’s wish to remain unknown underscores his desire to evade the stigma associated with their past, reinforcing the theme of isolation among characters.
Conclusion and Future Implications
- The dialogue captures the tension between Hester’s past choices and the present consequences, hinting at impending emotional and moral conflicts.
- Chillingworth’s last words underscore a disturbing future for Hester, as he questions her ability to endure the psychological torment embodied in the scarlet letter.
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Description
This quiz explores the psychological state of Hester Prynne after her return to prison in Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter'. It examines themes of nervousness, rebellion, and the impact of isolation on her character. Test your understanding of these critical elements in the text.
