Questions and Answers
Where did we leave off in Chapter 7?
Pearl was crying before she noticed several men coming towards the house through the garden towards Hester and Pearl.
Who all entered the house (the men from Chapter 7) at the beginning of this chapter?
Governor Bellingham, Reverend Wilson, Reverend Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth.
What is the first thing that the men do when they see Pearl?
They begin teasing her and calling her names like little bird, elf-child, and demon-child.
When the men notice Hester is also present, what happens?
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What is the Scarlet Letter referred to as in the beginning of this chapter?
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What is Pearl's current age in this chapter?
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What does Reverend John Wilson attempt to speak/test Pearl's knowledge over?
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Does Pearl answer any questions from Reverend Wilson?
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When Pearl refuses to answer questions, what does Hester do?
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What does Reverend Dimmesdale remind the others of?
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How do the other men respond to Reverend Dimmesdale's explanation?
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After the agreement to allow Hester to keep Pearl, what does Roger Chillingworth ask the fathers to do?
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Why would Roger ask to reopen the investigation to find Hester's lover?
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How do the fathers respond to Chillingworth's request?
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Who has Pearl seemed to take a liking to?
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What does Pearl do after Reverend Dimmesdale speaks on behalf of Hester and herself?
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Who speaks to Hester just before she leaves the Governor's Mansion?
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Who is Mistress Hibbins?
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What does Mistress Hibbins ask Hester about?
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What is Hester's response to Mistress Hibbins?
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What does the narrator note about Hester's response to Mistress Hibbins?
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What happens to Mistress Hibbins a few years later?
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What does Mr. Wilson ask Pearl and what does she say?
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Who speaks on behalf of Hester at the Governor's house and what does he say?
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What does the governor decide about letting Hester raise Pearl?
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Study Notes
Chapter 8 Overview
- Chapter 7 concludes with Pearl crying as men approach Hester and her in the garden.
- The men entering Hester's home include Governor Bellingham, Reverend Wilson, Reverend Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth.
Interaction with Pearl
- Upon seeing Pearl, Governor Bellingham and the others begin to tease her, calling her names such as "little bird," "elf-child," and "demon-child."
- Once Hester is noticed, the men question her right to raise Pearl.
Significance of the Scarlet Letter
- The Scarlet Letter is referred to as a "badge of shame," highlighting its societal implications for Hester.
- Pearl is revealed to be three years old in this chapter.
Religious Inquiry
- Reverend John Wilson attempts to assess Pearl's religious beliefs and knowledge.
- Pearl remains unresponsive to Wilson's inquiries, refusing to answer even basic questions.
- Hester seeks Reverend Dimmesdale's assistance to speak for Pearl after her refusal to engage.
Dimmesdale's Defense
- Dimmesdale argues that Pearl is both a blessing and a curse, sent by God.
- His remarks lead the men to agree that Hester should keep Pearl.
Chillingworth's Motives
- Roger Chillingworth proposes to reopen the investigation to discover Hester's lover, indicating his wish for vengeance.
- The other men decline Chillingworth's request, believing God will reveal the man's identity in due time.
Pearl's Affection
- Pearl shows a particular fondness for Reverend Dimmesdale, approaching him and pressing his hand to her cheek as a gesture of connection.
Mistress Hibbins' Invitation
- As Hester departs the Governor's Mansion, she encounters Mistress Hibbins, who is Governor Bellingham's sister.
- Mistress Hibbins invites Hester to a witches' gathering, to which Hester declines, stating her responsibility to Pearl prevents her from attending.
Symbolism and Consequences
- Hester's rejection of the invitation symbolizes her struggle against temptation, possibly implying that Pearl protects her from moral danger.
- Mistress Hibbins is executed for witchcraft a few years later, underscoring the harsh consequences of societal judgments.
Pearl's Identity
- When Mr. Wilson asks Pearl about her creation, she whimsically responds that she was "plucked off a wild rose bush," revealing her ignorance of her father’s identity.
Dimmesdale's Argument
- Dimmesdale asserts that it is unnatural to separate a child from her mother, advocating for Hester's right to raise Pearl.
Governor's Decision
- Ultimately, the Governor permits Hester to keep Pearl under the condition that Pearl must attend school and be taught religious principles.
- Hester is warned that another scandal could jeopardize her ability to raise Pearl.
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Test your knowledge on Chapter 8 of 'The Scarlet Letter' with these flashcards. This quiz covers key characters, plot points, and themes introduced in the chapter, helping to reinforce your understanding of the text.