The Scarlet Letter - Chapter 6 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the title of this chapter?

New Beginnings

Hester's Daughter

The Scarlet Letter

Pearl (correct)

Who is Pearl?

Hester Prynne's infant daughter

Why did Hester name her daughter Pearl?

She refers to her as a price, that Hester had put all effort into her daughter; she is Hester's only treasure.

What does Pearl symbolize?

A reminder to Hester and the world that Hester had committed an evil and sinful deed. Signup and view all the answers

How was Pearl often dressed?

Very well, she wore extravagant dresses that her mother, Hester, had made. Signup and view all the answers

How is Pearl described?

Exceptionally beautiful. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Chapter 6?

To give elaborate details on Pearl and how she is doing as this story unfolds around her. Signup and view all the answers

In this chapter, what is a major comparison made?

The discipline during that time period was far worse than it is today. Signup and view all the answers

Pearl was given the choice to be swayed by her own opinion after her mother tried to strictly teach her.

True Signup and view all the answers

What did Hester often do around Pearl?

Sob or cry about her sin and her life but also in passion for her daughter. Signup and view all the answers

What is said in the story about the only true comfort for Hester?

Hester found comfort only while Pearl lay peacefully in sleep. Signup and view all the answers

Pearl's social position is stated in this chapter, what is it?

Pearl was born into this world as an outcast. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Hester always accompanied by in public, ever since her release from prison?

Pearl, her daughter was always with her. Signup and view all the answers

What was the strange, an outlandish, aspect of Puritan life?

A relationship between mother and daughter was scorned upon. Signup and view all the answers

In this chapter, what does Pearl do even as an infant?

Pearl would use inanimate objects as imaginary friends to play with and speak to. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pearl's act of reaching up and grabbing ahold of the Scarlet Letter remind Hester of?

How much she wanted the Scarlet Letter to tear off because of its infinite pain and torture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the shift that occurs in this chapter?

The shift occurs in time elapsed in Pearl's age. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter Title

The chapter is titled "Pearl"

Pearl's Identity

Pearl is Hester Prynne's infant daughter, representing Hester's only treasure.

Significance of Pearl's Name

Hester names her daughter Pearl, symbolizing the precious value she places on her despite the circumstances of her birth.

Symbolism of Pearl

Pearl symbolizes Hester's sin and serves as a constant reminder of her shameful deed to society.

Pearl's Attire

Pearl is often dressed in extravagant garments created by Hester, emphasizing her mother's love and effort.

Description of Pearl

Pearl is characterized as exceptionally beautiful, drawing attention in her Puritan community.

Purpose of Chapter 6

This chapter aims to elaborate on Pearl’s character and her development throughout the narrative.

Comparison of Discipline

Harsh disciplinary practices of the time, such as family rebuke and authority-led punishments, are highlighted, indicating a stark contrast to modern times.

Pearl's Autonomy

Pearl is allowed to form her own opinions, demonstrating her mother's struggle to guide her within strict societal norms.

Hester's Emotional State

Hester often expresses her sorrow regarding her past while simultaneously cherishing her daughter, revealing conflicting emotions.

Hester's Comfort

Hester experiences solace solely during Pearl's peaceful sleep, underscoring her turbulent life.

Pearl is branded as an outcast due to her illegitimate birth, affecting her interactions with society.

Hester's Public Presence

Since her release from prison, Hester is always seen accompanied by Pearl, illustrating their inseparability.

Puritan Life's Strangeness

The relationship between a mother and daughter faced societal scorn, adding complexity to Hester’s situation within her community.

Pearl's Imaginative Play

Even as an infant, Pearl engages with inanimate objects as imaginary friends, highlighting her unique character.

Scarlet Letter Recollection

When Pearl grabs the Scarlet Letter, it triggers Hester's deep desire to rid herself of its associated pain and humiliation.

Temporal Shift in Pearl's Age

The narrative experiences a temporal shift, transitioning from Pearl’s infancy to when she is old enough to articulate thoughts and run freely.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 6 of 'The Scarlet Letter' with these flashcards focused on Pearl, Hester Prynne's daughter. Understand the significance of her name and the symbolism she holds for Hester. Challenge yourself and enhance your comprehension of this classic literary work.