The Scarlet Letter: Chapter 20 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Who leaves the forest first?

Dimmesdale.

How does Dimmesdale feel about the event with Hester and Pearl?

It's like a dream to him.

What does Dimmesdale notice about Hester and Pearl when he looks back?

A sorrowful Hester and a buoyant Pearl dancing from the margin of the brook.

What does Dimmesdale decide is the best choice when thinking about their plan?

Going to Europe. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dimmesdale think it is best to move to the Old World?

It is due to crowds, cities, shelter, and concealment while he is not healthy enough for the forest life. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Old World?

Europe. Signup and view all the answers

What will Hester do for the departure to England in four days?

She will secretly secure it. Signup and view all the answers

How will Dimmesdale admirably conclude his career?

He will give an Election Sermon before his voyage initiates. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale say about the people's reaction to him leaving his professional career?

At least they shall say of me that I leave no public duty unperformed, nor ill-performed! Signup and view all the answers

How does Dimmesdale feel after the decision to leave the country?

Excellent! He walks with great energy and rapid pace. Signup and view all the answers

Although he is exuberant, why does Dimmesdale feel timid?

He is tempted to act terribly when meeting people of his congregation. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dimmesdale get involved with the eldest dame of the congregation?

An unanswerable argument against the human soul's immorality. Signup and view all the answers

What did Dimmesdale do to a young virgin?

He was rude to her by giving her a wicked look. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale do with the children?

He teaches them vulgar words. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale do with the sailor?

He traded curses with him. Signup and view all the answers

Who appears after Dimmesdale's strange behavior?

Madame Hibbins. Signup and view all the answers

What does Madame Hibbins do to Dimmesdale?

She invites him to the forest. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Madame Hibbins admire Chillingworth?

That he covers his real opinions. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale express after Hibbins' invitation?

That he plans to greet and rejoice with Apostle Eliot. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hibbins say after Dimmesdale doesn't accept the invitation?

That they will have a talk together in the forest at midnight. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Dimmesdale go after Hibbins' threatening remark?

He hurries home and is agitated. Signup and view all the answers

Who knocks on Dimmesdale's door of study?

Chillingworth. Signup and view all the answers

Due to his paleness, what does Chillingworth offer?

Medicine. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale lie to Chillingworth about?

That he doesn't need the medicine and that it was kind of him to offer that. Signup and view all the answers

Once Chillingworth leaves, what does Dimmesdale do?

He requests food from a servant and conscientiously writes his Election Sermon. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Events and Character Actions

Dimmesdale is the first to exit the forest after his encounter with Hester and Pearl.
The event feels dreamlike for Dimmesdale, reflecting his emotional turbulence.
He observes Hester's sorrow contrasted with Pearl's joyful dancing at the brook's edge.
Dimmesdale concludes that moving to Europe is the most viable escape plan.

Motivations and Feelings

Dimmesdale believes the Old World (Europe) offers a better chance for concealment and a healthier life compared to the forest.
He expresses a sense of duty by intending to deliver an Election Sermon before leaving.

Community Perception and Personal Struggles

Dimmesdale wishes to depart without leaving any public duty unfulfilled, striving to maintain his respectable image.
Despite feeling invigorated post-decision, he experiences timidity around his congregation, battling the temptation to act out.

Interactions and Consequences

He engages in philosophical debate with an elder congregation member about the soul's immorality.
Dimmesdale exhibits uncharacteristic rude behavior towards a young virgin, showing a moral decline.
His interaction with children involves teaching them inappropriate language.
He exchanges curses with a sailor, indicating a shift towards rebelliousness.

Encounters with Madame Hibbins

Madame Hibbins invites Dimmesdale to join her in the forest, hinting at deeper connections with darkness.
She admires Chillingworth for disguising his true thoughts, showcasing her understanding of hidden motives.
Dimmesdale expresses a desire to connect with Apostle Eliot, despite Hibbins' invitation.

Tension and Agitation

Following Hibbins’ ominous remark about meeting in the forest, Dimmesdale hurries home, feeling anxious.
Chillingworth knocks on Dimmesdale's door, further escalating the tension as he offers medicine, underscoring Dimmesdale's declining health.
Dimmesdale feigns wellbeing while rejecting the medicine, revealing inner conflict and guilt.

Final Actions

After Chillingworth’s visit, Dimmesdale orders food and diligently works on his Election Sermon, suggesting a facade of normalcy amidst his turmoil.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 20 from Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter' with these flashcards. Explore key events and character emotions as Dimmesdale interacts with Hester and Pearl. Perfect for anyone studying this classic novel.