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Questions and Answers
How does Hester act when she returns to prison?
How does Hester act when she returns to prison?
She enters a state of nervous excitement.
Why does the jailer call the doctor?
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?
What is the doctor's name?
Roger Chillingworth
Where did the doctor learn his skill?
Where did the doctor learn his skill?
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Quote two lines that indicate that the doctor and Hester know each other before this meeting.
Quote two lines that indicate that the doctor and Hester know each other before this meeting.
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What is the relationship between Chillingworth and Hester?
What is the relationship between Chillingworth and Hester?
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Why should Hester's marriage be a failure?
Why should Hester's marriage be a failure?
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Did Hester ever love her husband? Quote Hester to support your answer.
Did Hester ever love her husband? Quote Hester to support your answer.
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What secret does Chillingworth ask Hester to keep?
What secret does Chillingworth ask Hester to keep?
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What symbol is introduced for Chillingworth in Hester's final lines in this chapter?
What symbol is introduced for Chillingworth in Hester's final lines in this chapter?
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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.
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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.
