The Scarlet Letter Chapter 10-12 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

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

He talks of the dead man wanting to confess his sin but could not. This sounds a lot like he is describing his own predicament.

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

Chillingworth says that they have grown from the heart of a dead man, and that they represent some ugly sin that he should have confessed but did not.

How does Dimmesdale's rationale for confessing a hidden sin support his doctrine of salvation by works rather than salvation by faith?

Confession is an act a sinner does on their own to gain salvation. Action is like work, whereas faith is passive at times.

What metaphors does Hawthorne establish for Chillingworth's probe? How do they further define Chillingworth's character?

Hawthorne described Chillingworth as a judge and a mathematician looking for the truth, comparing him to a miner searching for gold and a sexton delving into a grave. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chillingworth mean when he mutters, 'A strange sympathy betwixt soul and body. Were it only for the art's sake, I must search this matter to the bottom'?

Dimmesdale is hiding something on his body that will have a connection to his soul. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chillingworth do while Dimmesdale sleeps, and what does his action symbolize?

Chillingworth pulls back Dimmesdale's robe and sees something on his chest, symbolizing the unveiling of Dimmesdale's hidden guilt. Signup and view all the answers

What do you suppose is the specific secret that Chillingworth discovers?

That Dimmesdale is Pearl's father. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the statement, 'He (Chillingworth) became, thenceforth, not a spectator only, but a chief actor, in the poor minister's interior world.'

Chillingworth starts to manipulate Dimmesdale after learning his secret. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about Dimmesdale's incredible success as a minister?

Dimmesdale's success comes from his simple, thoughtful and caring approach to explaining complex things. Signup and view all the answers

Why are Dimmesdale's public assertions of guilt ironic?

The more he tried to explain to his congregation he was not as they thought he was, the more they admired him. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the way Dimmesdale tortures himself.

He whipped himself, fasted till he would almost faint, and kept himself awake for several days. Signup and view all the answers

Comparing Dimmesdale's current struggle with his sin with Hawthorne's earlier treatment of Hester and her sin, what is Hawthorne suggesting about the effects of sin?

Sin destroys and eats away at the sinner, and all those around them. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic of Hawthorne's portrayal of the Puritan society, in terms of developing theme?

The more the Puritans tried to be perfect, righteous and Godly the more they became as sinful as anyone else. Signup and view all the answers

How is the episode of Dimmesdale's midnight vigil on the scaffold structurally significant?

It connects Dimmesdale and Hester and continues the theme of sin and secrets hurting your soul. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Pearl's challenge to Dimmesdale?

Pearl is challenging Dimmesdale to stand with her and her mother. Signup and view all the answers

Considering the role of nature in Anti-Transcendental literature, what is the significance of the meteor event?

To Dimmesdale, it illuminates his sin in his eyes because the course the meteor travels looks like the letter A. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dimmesdale and Chillingworth's Debate

Dimmesdale expresses a desire for the deceased to confess sins, reflecting his own hidden guilt.
The black flowers symbolize hidden sins, suggesting that they spring from unconfessed wrongdoings.

Confession and Salvation

Dimmesdale links confession to actions, which he views as necessary for salvation, indicating a belief in works over faith.

Chillingworth's Character

Chillingworth is described with metaphors highlighting his ruthless, relentless pursuit of truth, akin to a judge and a prospector.

Dimmesdale's Secret

Chillingworth suspects that something on Dimmesdale's body relates to his soul, indicating the deep connection between physical and spiritual suffering.

Chillingworth's Actions

While Dimmesdale sleeps, Chillingworth discovers a hidden mark on his chest, symbolizing his malevolent character and dark intentions.

Dimmesdale's Guilt

Dimmesdale's success contrasts with his internal struggle, as his humility and relatability earn him admiration, intensifying his feelings of guilt.

Self-Torment

Dimmesdale engages in extreme self-punishment, reflecting his deep remorse and the toll of unconfessed sin on the soul.

Effects of Sin

Both Hester and Dimmesdale illustrate the destructive nature of sin, which deteriorates the sinner and affects those around them.

Puritan Society's Irony

The Puritan effort for righteousness paradoxically leads them to greater sinfulness, highlighting hypocrisy within their societal structure.

Midnight Vigil Significance

Dimmesdale’s midnight vigil recalls Hester’s scaffold experience, reinforcing themes of shared suffering and the consequences of hidden sins.

Pearl's Challenge

Pearl's insistence on Dimmesdale joining her and Hester signifies her innate understanding of familial bonds and their significance.

Meteor Event's Revelation

The meteor's trajectory resembling the letter "A" serves as a symbol of Dimmesdale's guilt, indicating divine acknowledgment of his sin.

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Description

Explore key concepts and themes from Chapters 10-12 of 'The Scarlet Letter'. These flashcards provide insights into Dimmesdale's internal struggles and the symbolism of hidden sins represented by Chillingworth's black flowers. Enhance your understanding of Nathaniel Hawthorne's exploration of guilt and confession.