Questions and Answers
Where do Hester and Pearl go?
To the marketplace for Election Day
What does Hester think about before the event initiates?
Leaving Boston with Dimmesdale and experiencing life again
Since she is agitated, how does Pearl occupy herself?
She dances before the event begins
To Pearl, what does she notice about her mother?
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What does Pearl inquire Hester about?
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How does Hester respond to Pearl's questions?
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What does the captain of the Bristol-bound ship express to Hester?
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Who is the company on the ship?
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What is Hawthorne's tone behind the following line about the people at the event: '...compressed whatever mirth and public joy they deemed allowable to human infirmity; thereby so far dispelling the customary cloud, that, for the space of a single holiday, they appeared scarcely more grave than most other communities at a period of general affliction.'?
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What is Hester also excited about?
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What does Dimmesdale's hand over his chest signify?
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What does Pearl also ask?
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Study Notes
Election Day in the Marketplace
- Hester and Pearl venture to the marketplace to participate in Election Day festivities.
- The atmosphere is festive, with a blend of mirth and an underlying tension among the townsfolk.
Hester's Reflections
- Hester contemplates the possibility of leaving Boston with Dimmesdale to reclaim a sense of freedom and joy.
- She feels an emotional mix of anticipation and hope regarding a future with Dimmesdale.
Pearl's Behavior
- Pearl, sensing her mother’s agitation, distracts herself by dancing, showcasing her youthful exuberance.
- She notices Hester’s excitement about the upcoming events, highlighting their mother-daughter connection.
Curiosity About Dimmesdale
- Pearl expresses curiosity about whether Dimmesdale will publicly acknowledge them during the procession.
- Hester urges Pearl to remain quiet, indicating her concern for Dimmesdale's reputation and the repercussions they may face.
The Captain's Message
- The captain of the ship bound for Bristol informs Hester that their journey will include unexpected company, hinting at complications ahead.
- Roger Chillingworth is identified as this company, introducing tension due to his ongoing vendetta.
Tone of the Narrative
- The narrator’s tone is satirical, critiquing the superficiality of the community's joy amidst the gravity of their circumstances.
- The juxtaposition of public joy against the backdrop of societal ailments highlights the complex human experience.
Hester's Hopes
- One of Hester's hopes includes the symbolic act of casting away the scarlet letter into the ocean, representing liberation and shedding her past.
Dimmesdale's Symbolism
- Dimmesdale's gesture of clutching his chest foreshadows his inner turmoil and impending doom, reflecting the weight of his hidden guilt.
Pearl's Observations
- Pearl questions why Master Brackett is smiling at her, indicating her youthful innocence and her awareness of the adult world around her.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 21 from 'The Scarlet Letter' with these flashcards. Explore key events as Hester and Pearl navigate Election Day and Hester's reflections on her past. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of the chapter's themes and character actions.
