The Scarlet Letter Chapter 1

Questions and Answers

The author most likely includes the words 'darker aspect,' 'beetle-browed,' 'gloomy,' and 'ponderous' in order to

establish a formal, civilized setting

establish an old-fashioned setting

impart a melancholy mood (correct)

impart a mysterious mood

Which event described in chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter occurs after Hester leaves the jail?

Old women march Hester to the scaffold, voicing their disapproval

Young children run heedlessly before Hester to the scaffold (correct)

A military procession organizes the crowd and proceeds to the scaffold

Hester voices her discomfort on the long walk to the scaffold

What is the meaning of this excerpt? The prison and cemetery were built early, with the cemetery expanding in size from its original plot.

The prison was built near Cornhill, and the cemetery was built on an important man's property

The prison and cemetery were built early, with the cemetery expanding in size from its original plot (correct)

Just as Puritans gathered at the prison, they also gathered at the cemetery and the church

The forefathers of Boston chose the two most famous landmarks: the prison and the cemetery

Which best describes the effect of the words 'ugly,' 'overgrown,' 'pig-weed,' and 'unsightly vegetation'?

They establish a rough, untamed setting Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the word 'inauspicious'?

unfavorable, boding ill Signup and view all the answers

Which event described in chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter occurs after Hester appears in front of the crowd?

Onlookers react to Hester's embroidered letter Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of this excerpt? 'It would be greatly for the public behoof, if we women, being of mature age and church-members in good repute, should have the handling of such malefactresses as this Hester Prynne.'

The speaker believes that she and her peers ought to be in charge of assigning sentences in cases like Hester's Signup and view all the answers

Which event described in chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter occurs after the women of the crowd are introduced?

The women discuss Hester's sentence Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes the purpose of the words 'black shadow,' 'grim,' 'grisly,' and 'sword'?

to impart a solemn mood Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes the effect of the words 'sad-colored,' 'steeple-crowned,' and 'iron spikes'?

They establish the austere Puritan setting Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mood and Setting

The wooden jail displays weather-stains and a gloomy front, evoking a melancholy atmosphere.
Descriptive words like "darker aspect" and "beetle-browed" enhance the sense of foreboding.
The antiquity of the jail's iron work contributes to its ominous presence.

Events Following Hester's Release

After leaving jail, young children run heedlessly in front of Hester on her way to the scaffold.
Events escalate with onlookers reacting to Hester's embroidered letter, signifying judgment on her transgressions.

Symbolism of Structures

The early construction of the prison and cemetery suggests a connection between punishment and death in Boston's history.
An overgrown grass-plot with unsightly vegetation reflects the rough, untamed nature of the community surrounding the prison.

Vocabulary Insights

"Inauspicious" denotes a sense of ill omen or unfavorable beginnings, setting a negative tone for the narrative.

Perspectives on Justice

An older woman challenges the decision of magistrates, wanting local women to have authority over sentencing malefactors like Hester, underscoring public sentiment on morality and justice.

Community Reactions

Women of the crowd discuss Hester's sentence, highlighting societal expectations and their communal role in adjudication.

Imagery and Mood

The imagery of a "black shadow" and descriptors like "grim" and "grisly" emphasize a somber, solemn mood upon Hester's introduction to the public.
The gathering of bearded men in sad-colored garments signifies the stark and austere Puritan society, reflecting their values and the weight of their judgment.

Description

Test your understanding of key themes and language in Chapter 1 of 'The Scarlet Letter'. This quiz focuses on the author's use of imagery and language to portray the setting and mood of the story. Prepare to delve into the dark aspects of the novel's opening.