The Scarlet Letter Chapter 13-14 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is significant about Hester's position in the community now that years have passed?

People have started accepting her because of all the goodwill she has given during the past 7 years. They even interpret the letter A on her breast as Able instead of Adultery.

Compare the feelings of the general public to those of the community leaders regarding Hester Prynne. Explain why the groups view her differently.

Even though the general public was starting to accept Hester, it would take longer to gain the community leaders' empathy. It was said that 'their rigorous reasoning worked to hold those prejudices in place'.

What social and philosophical changes is Hawthorne describing in this chapter?

Hawthorne described that with human nature it is easier and more natural to love, rather than hate. He also explains that when a sinner is sincerely remorseful, society will become understanding and accepting over time.

Explain the statement: 'It is remarkable that persons who speculate the most boldly often conform with the most perfect quietude to the external regulations of society.'

Free thinking people tend to be bold in thought, but less so when it comes to action. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the initial intent behind the scarlet letter to the actual effect on Hester.

The initial intent is to shame Hester, but the actual effect was to focus all of Hester's energy on being a good mother and neighbor, helping others, and becoming an important part of society. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester resolve to do and why?

She resolved to talk to her husband and try to get him to stop torturing Dimmesdale. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hawthorne's point comparing Hester and Dimmesdale's reactions to their sin?

Hawthorne wants to show that you are better off facing your sins instead of hiding from them. Signup and view all the answers

What image is Hawthorne evoking with Chillingworth's depiction in the forest?

That he is changing into something other than human. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Chillingworth referred to as a 'leech' in his interactions with Dimmesdale?

A leech is someone who takes something from someone else while giving nothing in return. Chillingworth is taking Dimmesdale's sanity and soul from him. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hester's response to the council's debate on allowing her to remove her scarlet letter?

Hester says that the council does not have the authority to remove the A. When she is worthy, it will fall away. Signup and view all the answers

Why isn't forgiveness an opinion according to the Dark Romantics?

Anti-Transcendentalists believe that humans can be both evil as well as good, and that nature and fate control which direction a human will take. Signup and view all the answers

How is the doctrine of predestination reflected in the conversation between Hester and Chillingworth?

Chillingworth's inability to forgive stems from his belief that revenge is a necessary consequence of Hester's actions, framing it as fate. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Chillingworth believe he has a double reason for punishing Dimmesdale?

<ol> <li>Dimmesdale committed adultery with Hester. 2) Chillingworth has lost years of his life seeking revenge on Dimmesdale.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester ask of Chillingworth and what is his response?

She asks him to forgive her and Dimmesdale. His response is that it is out of his hands to forgive; he is acting through the hand of fate. Signup and view all the answers

What pleas of Hester's arouse sympathy and admiration in Chillingworth?

Hester states that she must reveal the secret fact that Chillingworth is her husband, even if it means ruin for Dimmesdale. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hester's Evolving Position in the Community

Over seven years, Hester Prynne's goodwill led to acceptance within the community.
The scarlet letter "A" becomes reinterpreted as "Able" rather than "Adultery".

Public vs. Community Leaders' Views

The general public gradually accepts Hester, but community leaders remain critical.
Their rigid reasoning perpetuates longstanding prejudices against her.

Hawthorne emphasizes love as more natural than hatred in human nature.
Genuine remorse from a sinner can lead to societal understanding and acceptance over time.

Free Thinkers vs. Society

Bold thinkers often act in conformity with societal norms, demonstrating the tension between thought and action.

Intent and Effect of the Scarlet Letter

The scarlet letter was intended to shame Hester but instead motivated her to become a better mother and neighbor, enhancing her societal role.

Hester's Resolve

Hester plans to confront her husband, Chillingworth, to stop his psychological torment of Dimmesdale.

Facing Sins

Hawthorne illustrates the importance of confronting sins rather than hiding from them through the comparison of Hester and Dimmesdale's reactions.

Chillingworth's Transformation

Chillingworth's physical depiction suggests his transformation into something inhuman as he seeks revenge.

Implications of "Leech" vs. "Physician"

Describing Chillingworth as a "leech" indicates his exploitative nature, feeding off Dimmesdale’s suffering without offering any healing.

Hester's Authority Over the Scarlet Letter

Hester asserts that only she can determine when to remove the scarlet letter, signaling her belief in personal redemption.

Dark Romanticism and Forgiveness

Anti-Transcendentalists argue that humans embody both good and evil, influenced by nature and fate.
Chillingworth believes his inability to forgive arises from being controlled by dark, predetermined forces.

Predestination and Revenge

Hester seeks Chillingworth's forgiveness, but he feels bound by fate to pursue revenge, seeing it as an inevitable consequence of Hester's sin.

Chillingworth's Motivations for Punishment

He feels justified in punishing Dimmesdale due to the adultery with his wife and the years he sacrificed to seek revenge.

Hester's Request and Chillingworth's Response

Hester asks Chillingworth to forgive her and Dimmesdale; he maintains that forgiveness is beyond his control.

Chillingworth's Admiration for Hester

Hester's willingness to reveal Chillingworth as her husband, despite the potential harm to Dimmesdale, illustrates her strength.
Chillingworth admires Hester's resilience and reflects on her lost potential because of their marriage.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapters 13 and 14 from Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter'. This quiz covers key themes, character developments, and the evolving perceptions of Hester Prynne in the community. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of this classic work.