The Scarlet Letter - Chapter 8 Quiz

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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?

They ask her why she should be allowed to keep the child. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Scarlet Letter referred to as in the beginning of this chapter?

A badge of shame. Signup and view all the answers

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?

Her religious beliefs and knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Does Pearl answer any questions from Reverend Wilson?

False Signup and view all the answers

When Pearl refuses to answer questions, what does Hester do?

She asks Reverend Dimmesdale if he will speak for her and her daughter. Signup and view all the answers

What does Reverend Dimmesdale remind the others of?

That Pearl was sent by God and she is somehow both a blessing and a curse to Hester. Signup and view all the answers

How do the other men respond to Reverend Dimmesdale's explanation?

True Signup and view all the answers

After the agreement to allow Hester to keep Pearl, what does Roger Chillingworth ask the fathers to do?

Reopen the investigation to find Hester's lover. Signup and view all the answers

Why would Roger ask to reopen the investigation to find Hester's lover?

He wants revenge. Signup and view all the answers

How do the fathers respond to Chillingworth's request?

False Signup and view all the answers

Who has Pearl seemed to take a liking to?

Reverend Dimmesdale. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pearl do after Reverend Dimmesdale speaks on behalf of Hester and herself?

She approaches him and pressed his hand to her cheek. Signup and view all the answers

Who speaks to Hester just before she leaves the Governor's Mansion?

Mistress Hibbins. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mistress Hibbins?

Governor Bellingham's sister. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mistress Hibbins ask Hester about?

If she would like to come to a witches' gathering. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hester's response to Mistress Hibbins?

That if she was not taking care of Pearl then she would go, but she denies the invitation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator note about Hester's response to Mistress Hibbins?

That Pearl might have just saved her mother from Satan's temptation. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Mistress Hibbins a few years later?

She is executed for being a witch. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Wilson ask Pearl and what does she say?

Canst thou tell me, my child, who made thee? She wasn't made, she was plucked off a wild rose bush outside her mother's prison door. Signup and view all the answers

Who speaks on behalf of Hester at the Governor's house and what does he say?

Dimmesdale speaks on behalf of Hester and states that a child shouldn't be taken from their mother; it's unnatural. Signup and view all the answers

What does the governor decide about letting Hester raise Pearl?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

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.