Questions and Answers
Who does Hester spot in the crowd with slightly deformed shoulders such as her own?
Her husband
Why was her husband in America?
He had been sent here against his will, but he also did not fulfill his promise to follow his wife.
What gesture does Hester's husband do when she spots him in the crowd?
He signals her, with his fingers, that she should not reveal his identity.
Who is Hester Prynne's husband?
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What do we learn about Hester's sentence in this chapter?
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Who are the Fathers introduced in this chapter?
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What is some information we gather about Reverend Dimmesdale?
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What do we learn about Reverend Williams?
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What do we learn about the infant that Hester is holding?
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What happens at the conclusion of Reverend Williams' Sermon?
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When Hester is told by the Fathers to give the name of her fellow sinner, what does Hester say?
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What does the townsman tell the stranger about Hester's crime?
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What do the magistrates and ministers want Hester to tell them?
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Study Notes
Hester Prynne and Her Husband
- Hester spots her husband in the crowd, who has slightly deformed shoulders resembling her own.
- He was sent to America against his will and failed to join Hester as promised.
- Upon seeing him, Hester recognizes his gesture instructing her not to reveal his identity.
Identity of Hester's Husband
- Hester's husband is known as Roger Chillingworth, though his name is not revealed in this chapter.
Hester's Punishment
- Although initially assumed she would be executed, Hester's actual punishment is public humiliation for three hours on the scaffold and lifelong wear of the Scarlet Letter "A."
- She refuses to disclose the identity of her child's father, resulting in her punishment.
The Fathers Present
- The chapter introduces key figures known as the Fathers: Governor Bellingham, Reverend Williams, Reverend Wilson, and Reverend Dimmesdale.
- Their roles include moral and religious authority in the community.
Reverend Dimmesdale's Role
- Reverend Dimmesdale is depicted as a young, eloquent minister tasked with compelling Hester to reveal her child's father.
- He advises her not to protect the man's identity out of pity, but ultimately does not force her when she resists.
Reverend Williams and the Sermon
- Reverend Williams delivers a sermon focusing on sin, often referencing Hester's Scarlet Letter.
- His sermons emphasize the community's moral standards and the punishment of sin.
Hester's Infant
- Hester is caring for her infant daughter, named Pearl, which signifies her bond to both sin and redemption.
Conclusion of the Sermon
- After Reverend Williams’ sermon, Hester is escorted back to prison, highlighting her status as an outcast.
Hester's Defiance
- When the Fathers demand she disclose the name of her child’s father, she firmly responds with "Never" and declares she will not speak.
Townsman Conversation
- A townsman tells the stranger about the scandal Hester caused in Dimmesdale's church, revealing her significant impact on the community.
- It is noted that Hester's husband, Chillingworth, is originally from England and has explored Massachusetts.
The Magistrates' Demand
- The magistrates and ministers demand Hester reveal the identity of her child’s father, showcasing the societal pressure she faces.
- Hester consistently refuses their request.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 3 of 'The Scarlet Letter' with these flashcards. Explore key events and character relationships that define Hester's struggle. Gain a deeper understanding of the narrative and its thematic elements.
