The Scarlet Letter Analysis
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The Scarlet Letter Analysis

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Governor Bellingham, in a loose gown and easy cap—such as elderly gentlemen loved to endue themselves with, in their domestic ______—walked foremost.

privacy

The wide circumference of an elaborate ruff, beneath his grey beard, caused his head to look not a little like that of John the ______ in a charger.

Baptist

The impression made by his aspect was hardly in keeping with the appliances of worldly ______ that surrounded him.

enjoyment

This creed was never taught, for instance, by the venerable pastor, John ______, whose beard was seen over Governor Bellingham’s shoulders.

<p>Wilson</p> Signup and view all the answers

The old clergyman, nurtured at the rich bosom of the English ______, had a long established and legitimate taste for all good and comfortable things.

<p>Church</p> Signup and view all the answers

Behind the Governor and Mr. Wilson came two other guests—one, the Reverend Arthur ______, whom the reader may remember as having taken a brief part in Hester Prynne’s disgrace.

<p>Dimmesdale</p> Signup and view all the answers

Old Roger ______, a person of great skill in physic, had been settled in the town for two or three years past.

<p>Chillingworth</p> Signup and view all the answers

It was understood that this learned man was the physician as well as friend of the young minister, whose health had severely suffered from his too unreserved self–______.

<p>sacrifice</p> Signup and view all the answers

Governor Bellingham was surprised by the scarlet little figure before him and asked, 'What have we here?' He had never seen the like since his days of ______.

<p>vanity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mr. Wilson remarked that he had seen such figures when the sun has been shining through a richly ______ window.

<p>painted</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hester Prynne's daughter, who was described as a scarlet vision, introduced herself by saying, 'I am ______ mother’s child.'

<p>mother's</p> Signup and view all the answers

Governor Bellingham, noticing the child, suggested they ought to consider if they should trust an immortal soul to one who has ______.

<p>stumbled</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hester Prynne argued that she could teach Pearl what she has learned from her ______.

<p>badge</p> Signup and view all the answers

The badge that Hester wore was described by the magistrate as a badge of ______.

<p>shame</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Governor and his guests expressed the desire to examine Pearl and see if she had received proper ______.

<p>nurture</p> Signup and view all the answers

When Mr. Wilson tried to examine Pearl, she escaped through the open ______.

<p>window</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mr. Wilson asked Pearl if she could tell him who made ______.

<p>thee</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pearl indicated that she had not been made at all but rather had been plucked by her mother off the bush of wild ______.

<p>roses</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pearl's fantastical explanation for her existence likely came from her memories of the Governor's ______ roses.

<p>red</p> Signup and view all the answers

Governor Bellingham expressed a desire to look into the matter concerning Hester's ______.

<p>child</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hester described her badge, saying it is teaching her lessons that may make her child the ______ and better.

<p>wiser</p> Signup and view all the answers

The old minister, Mr. Wilson, usually had a vast ______ with children.

<p>favourite</p> Signup and view all the answers

Governor Bellingham stepped through the window into the ______.

<p>hall</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pearl is described as a wild and flighty little ______.

<p>elf</p> Signup and view all the answers

The old clergyman, Mr. Wilson, expressed that it would be better to fast and pray rather than ______ the child's nature.

<p>analyze</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mistress Hibbins is described as Governor Bellingham's bitter-tempered ______.

<p>sister</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hester Prynne expressed a willingness to go into the forest and sign her name in the Black Man's ______.

<p>book</p> Signup and view all the answers

Old Roger Chillingworth remarked on how easy it is to see the mother’s part in the child's ______.

<p>nature</p> Signup and view all the answers

The face of Mistress Hibbins seemed to cast a shadow over the cheerful ______ of the house.

<p>newness</p> Signup and view all the answers

Little Pearl's mood of sentiment lasted no longer; she ______, and went capering down the hall.

<p>laughed</p> Signup and view all the answers

The young minister had temporarily withdrawn with his face partially concealed in the heavy folds of the ______.

<p>window-curtain</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mr. Wilson suggested that it would be sinful to follow the clue of profane ______.

<p>philosophy</p> Signup and view all the answers

The minister seemed to imply something truly worthy to be loved, by recognizing the ______ of childish preference.

<p>marks</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hester Prynne looked at the man of ______, and even then, with her fate hanging in the balance...

<p>skill</p> Signup and view all the answers

This is ______!” cried the Governor, slowly recovering from the astonishment...

<p>awful</p> Signup and view all the answers

Here is a child of three years old, and she cannot tell who ______ her!

<p>made</p> Signup and view all the answers

God gave me the ______!” cried she. “He gave her in requital of all things else...

<p>child</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pearl keeps me here in ______! Pearl punishes me, too!

<p>life</p> Signup and view all the answers

Thou wast my pastor, and hadst charge of my ______, and knowest me better than these men can.

<p>soul</p> Signup and view all the answers

For, if we deem it otherwise, do we not hereby say that the Heavenly ______... hath lightly recognized a deed of sin?

<p>Father</p> Signup and view all the answers

This child of its father's guilt and its mother’s ______ has come from the hand of God...

<p>shame</p> Signup and view all the answers

It was meant to be a ______—for the one blessing of her life!

<p>blessing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hath she not expressed this thought in the garb of the poor ______...

<p>child</p> Signup and view all the answers

Oh, not so!—not so!” continued Mr. Dimmesdale. “She recognizes, believe me, the solemn ______ which God hath wrought...

<p>miracle</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is good for this poor, ______ woman, that she hath an infant immortality...

<p>sinful</p> Signup and view all the answers

Thou knowest what is in my ______, and what are a mother’s rights...

<p>heart</p> Signup and view all the answers

Herein is the sinful mother ______ than the sinful father.

<p>happier</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Introductions

  • Governor Bellingham: Dressed in a loose gown, resembles John the Baptist; shows pride in his estate and views of worldly enjoyment despite a severe demeanor.
  • Mr. Wilson: Elderly clergyman, represents benevolence in private life contrary to his stern public persona; believes in the possibility of naturalizing English fruits in New England.
  • Arthur Dimmesdale: Young minister, struggles with his conscience after Hester Prynne's disgrace; his health is declining.
  • Roger Chillingworth: Knowledgeable physician, acts as friend and caregiver to Dimmesdale, but his demeanor hints at sinister qualities.
  • Pearl: Child of Hester Prynne; appears as a scarlet figure, representing the complexity of her mother's sin and societal judgment.

Themes and Symbolism

  • Scarlet Letter: Represents Hester's shame but also signifies her complex relationship with Pearl and serves as a reminder of her past.
  • Motherhood: Hester's fierce defense of Pearl highlights the strong maternal instincts and the struggles of a single mother burdened by societal condemnation.
  • Puritan Society: Characters reflect varying aspects of Puritan values, with debates around morality, sin, and the rights of an ostracized mother.

Key Conflicts

  • Debate over Pearl’s custody: Hester’s accountability as a mother is questioned due to her past, prompting the discussion on whether Pearl should be taken away for her welfare.
  • Hester's identity struggle: The conflict between her identity as a sinner, indicated by the scarlet letter, and her rights as a mother intensifies throughout the scene.

Important Exchanges

  • Hester’s declaration of maternal love and responsibility emphasizes the bond with Pearl and challenges societal norms regarding sin and redemption.
  • Dimmesdale’s defense of Hester's right to keep Pearl underscores his own internal conflict and the relationship dynamics amongst the characters.

Character Dynamics

  • Hester's desperation versus the authority figures’ judgment: The tension between personal desire to keep her daughter and the external pressures from the Puritanical leaders.
  • Pearl's behavior and symbolism: Her wild nature reflects both freedom and the societal constraints imposed on her mother; serves as a living symbol of Hester’s sin.

Significant Events

  • The confrontation in the Governor's hall reveals the societal tensions regarding motherhood, morality, and public shame, culminating in a pivotal decision about Pearl’s future.
  • Dimmesdale’s poignant argument solidifies the bond between mother and child and reflects the emotional depth and complexity of their relationship against the backdrop of Puritan beliefs.

Conclusion of the Scene

  • The resolution allows Hester to retain custody of Pearl, demonstrating a moment of agency for a woman marginalized by her community.
  • The brief appearance of Mistress Hibbins foreshadows future complications and highlights the tension between societal expectations and personal freedom.
  • The narrative hints at the ongoing strife between Hester's identity as a sinful woman and her duty as a devoted mother, suggested by Mistress Hibbins' invitation to the forest.

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Description

Explore Governor Bellingham's character and description in Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter'. This quiz delves into themes, symbolism, and the author's style in presenting the Puritan society. Test your understanding of this pivotal character and his impact on the narrative.

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