The Scarlet Letter Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How does Hester act when she returns to prison?

She enters a state of nervous excitement.

Why does the jailer call the doctor?

He thinks that one will be needed to quell Hester's mood and also the child needed treatment as it writhed in convulsions of pain.

What is the doctor's name?

Roger Chillingworth

Where did the doctor learn his skill?

His old studies in alchemy, as well as from the instruction of the savages or Native Americans. Signup and view all the answers

Quote two lines that indicate that the doctor and Hester know each other before this meeting.

'Dost thou know me so little, Hester Prynne?' -68; 'from the moment we came down...a married pair' -69 Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between Chillingworth and Hester?

They are husband and wife. Signup and view all the answers

Why should Hester's marriage be a failure?

She has committed adultery in the absence of her husband, whom she says she never loved. Signup and view all the answers

Did Hester ever love her husband? Quote Hester to support your answer.

No. 'Thou knowest I was frank with thee. I felt no love, nor feigned any.' -69 Signup and view all the answers

What secret does Chillingworth ask Hester to keep?

That they are husband and wife. Signup and view all the answers

What symbol is introduced for Chillingworth in Hester's final lines in this chapter?

'The Black Man' or the devil. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hester's State Upon Returning to Prison

Hester Prynne exhibits "nervous excitement" upon her return to the prison, highlighting her emotional turmoil.

Jailer and Doctor Interaction

The jailer summons a doctor, believing Hester's emotional state and her child's distress necessitate medical attention due to the child's "convulsions of pain."

Doctor's Identity

The doctor is revealed to be Roger Chillingworth, Hester's estranged husband.

Chillingworth's Background

Chillingworth acquired his medical knowledge from alchemical studies and experiences with Native Americans, indicating a blend of traditional and indigenous practices.

Prior Acquaintance

Hester and Chillingworth have a past connection evidenced by their dialogue: "Dost thou know me so little, Hester Prynne?" and their historical bond as a "married pair."

Nature of Their Relationship

Chillingworth and Hester are legally married, creating a complex dynamic given her current circumstances.

Adultery and Its Consequences

Hester's marriage is marked as a failure due to her act of adultery; she confesses to not having loved Chillingworth during their union.

Hester's Lack of Affection

Hester openly states her lack of love for Chillingworth, saying, "thou knowest I was frank with thee. I felt no love, nor feigned any," reinforcing her feelings of betrayal and emotional conflict.

Secret of Their Marriage

Chillingworth implores Hester to keep their marital status a secret, adding tension and complexity to their relationship amidst public scrutiny.

Chillingworth's Symbolism

In Hester's concluding lines of the chapter, Chillingworth is associated with 'The Black Man', a representation of evil or the devil, foreshadowing future conflicts.

Description

Test your knowledge on Chapter 4 of 'The Scarlet Letter' with these flashcards. Explore Hester's emotional state, the involvement of the jailer and the doctor, and the introduction of Roger Chillingworth. These key concepts will enhance your understanding of the text.