The Scarlet Letter Chapters 11-12 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Explain the statement, 'He [Chillingworth] became, thenceforth, not a spectator only, but a chief actor, in the poor minister's interior world.'

Chillingworth is an actor in Dimmesdale's life, he is a fraud who is aware of Dimmesdale's secret and is torturing him because of it.

What is ironic about Dimmesdale's success as a minister?

He is an unconfessed sinner who encourages others to confess their sins and live holy lives.

Why are Dimmesdale's public assertions of guilt ironic?

They have the opposite effect than he intended, he wanted the people to stop admiring him but it only made them admire him more.

Explain the ways that Dimmesdale tortures himself.

He beats himself severely and starves himself. Signup and view all the answers

Comparing Dimmesdale's current struggle with his sin with Hawthorne's earlier treatment of Hester and her sin, what is Hawthorne suggesting about the effects of sin?

Dimmesdale is suffering greatly because of his sin, but Hester is becoming stronger because of it. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about Hawthorne's portrayal of the Puritan society, in terms of this developing theme?

Hawthorne displays the Puritans as if they are perfect, however they are far from it. Signup and view all the answers

How is the episode of Dimmesdale's midnight vigil on the scaffold structurally significant?

The scaffold is the base on which the story is built, it is mentioned for the second time in the story which shows its importance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Pearl's challenge to Dimmesdale?

Pearl knows there is some type of connection between them which Dimmesdale acknowledges but it also shows he is weak because he will not stand on the scaffold with them in broad daylight. Signup and view all the answers

Considering the role of nature in Anti-Transcendental literature, what is the significance of the meteor event?

The meteor event is ironic, Dimmesdale sees it as a sign that he too should wear the scarlet 'A', but the rest of the townspeople see it as a sign of the word 'Angel' for Winthrop entering Heaven. Signup and view all the answers

Although Gov. Winthrop is barely mentioned in the book, why would Hawthorne choose this night as the night Dimmesdale stands on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl?

Hawthorne chose this night so that the 'A' could have two different meanings and have the reader question which one is the real truth. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dimmesdale feel as he holds Pearl's hand and why?

Dimmesdale is filled with energy and feels light pouring into his body, he feels a connection to her as her father. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Pearl pull away from Dimmesdale?

Because he will not promise to stand with Hester and her tomorrow at noon. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does Dimmesdale's vigil have on his career?

It convinces the people further of his great holiness. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chillingworth's Role

Chillingworth actively manipulates Dimmesdale's psyche, becoming a significant presence in his life.
He embodies deception and torment, knowing Dimmesdale's hidden sin and using it to inflict suffering.

Dimmesdale's Irony

Dimmesdale is a successful minister despite harboring an unconfessed sin, creating a stark contrast between his public persona and private guilt.

Public Guilt Assertions

Dimmesdale's attempts to convey guilt inadvertently increase the congregation's admiration for him, highlighting the disconnect between intention and perception.

Self-Torment

Dimmesdale engages in self-punishment, practicing severe physical harm and starvation as a means of atonement for his sin.

Effects of Sin

The narrative suggests a dichotomy in the impact of sin: Dimmesdale’s torment contrasts with Hester’s growth and resilience, indicating diverse responses to wrongdoing.

Puritan Society's Portrayal

Hawthorne presents Puritan society as morally upright while subtly exposing its hypocrisy and imperfections, emphasizing the theme of societal versus individual morality.

Scaffold Significance

The scaffold serves as a critical structural motif in the narrative, with its recurrent mentions underscoring its thematic importance in relation to sin, guilt, and public shame.

Pearl's Challenge

Pearl’s insistence on Dimmesdale’s acknowledgment signifies her awareness of their familial bond, while also exposing Dimmesdale's cowardice in public.

Meteor Event

The meteor symbolizes contrasting interpretations; Dimmesdale sees it as a sign of his shame, while townspeople interpret it as an angelic omen related to Winthrop’s death.

Governor Winthrop's Timing

Winthrop’s death on the night of Dimmesdale's vigil creates dual meanings for the "A," encouraging readers to question the nature of truth and perception.

Dimmesdale's Connection to Pearl

Holding Pearl's hand invigorates Dimmesdale, representing a moment of paternal connection and emotional release amidst his turmoil.

Pearl's Rejection

Pearl’s withdrawal from Dimmesdale reflects her demand for public acknowledgment of their relationship, emphasizing his failure to commit.

Impact on Dimmesdale's Career

Dimmesdale's midnight vigil paradoxically reinforces his image of holiness in the eyes of the community, deepening their reverence despite his internal struggle.

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Description

Explore the key themes and characters in Chapters 11 and 12 of 'The Scarlet Letter' through these discussion questions. Delve into Chillingworth's role in Dimmesdale's life and the irony of Dimmesdale's success as a minister. These flashcards will enhance your understanding of Hawthorne's classic novel.