Podcast
Questions and Answers
What secret does Hester say she must reveal?
What secret does Hester say she must reveal?
That Chillingworth is her husband
What does Hester ask of Chillingworth? What is his response?
What does Hester ask of Chillingworth? What is his response?
She asks him to leave Dimmesdale alone and allow his punishment to be chosen by God; Chillingworth says he can't change it anymore because that's fate.
What pleas of Hester's arouse sympathy and admiration in Chillingworth?
What pleas of Hester's arouse sympathy and admiration in Chillingworth?
Chillingworth develops sympathy and admiration when Hester asks if she can pardon Dimmesdale and then changes her mind and suggests he go ahead and kill Dimmesdale.
Compare Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth in terms of their responses to the initial sin.
Compare Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth in terms of their responses to the initial sin.
As Chillingworth is walking away, what does Hester expect to see happen to the ground that Chillingworth walks on?
As Chillingworth is walking away, what does Hester expect to see happen to the ground that Chillingworth walks on?
What does Hester feel towards Chillingworth as she looks back at him walking and collecting herbs?
What does Hester feel towards Chillingworth as she looks back at him walking and collecting herbs?
How have Hester's memories changed concerning Chillingworth?
How have Hester's memories changed concerning Chillingworth?
What is Hester coming to realize is the true sin she has committed? Why would Hawthorne consider this a worse sin than her sin with Dimmesdale?
What is Hester coming to realize is the true sin she has committed? Why would Hawthorne consider this a worse sin than her sin with Dimmesdale?
True or false: Hester says that Chillingworth has done her wrong more than she did him wrong.
True or false: Hester says that Chillingworth has done her wrong more than she did him wrong.
What types of things, specifically, was Pearl doing while Hester and Chillingworth were talking by the seashore?
What types of things, specifically, was Pearl doing while Hester and Chillingworth were talking by the seashore?
Hester asks Pearl if she knows the real reason why Hester must wear the scarlet letter. What is Pearl's reply?
Hester asks Pearl if she knows the real reason why Hester must wear the scarlet letter. What is Pearl's reply?
What does Hester realize about her 'repentance'?
What does Hester realize about her 'repentance'?
True or false: Hester believes Pearl is getting older now and can sympathize with her.
True or false: Hester believes Pearl is getting older now and can sympathize with her.
What untruth does Hester tell Pearl concerning the reason why she wears the scarlet letter?
What untruth does Hester tell Pearl concerning the reason why she wears the scarlet letter?
Why is it necessary for Pearl's questions to be answered truthfully?
Why is it necessary for Pearl's questions to be answered truthfully?
Now that Chillingworth knows Dimmesdale's secret, how does Chillingworth treat Dimmesdale?
Now that Chillingworth knows Dimmesdale's secret, how does Chillingworth treat Dimmesdale?
Explain the statement, 'He {Chillingworth} became, thenceforth, not a spectator only, but a chief actor, in the poor minister's interior world.'
Explain the statement, 'He {Chillingworth} became, thenceforth, not a spectator only, but a chief actor, in the poor minister's interior world.'
Why doesn't Dimmesdale suspect Chillingworth of trying to ruin him?
Why doesn't Dimmesdale suspect Chillingworth of trying to ruin him?
Dimmesdale becomes more popular as a minister because of his sorrows, intellectual gifts, his sensitivity, and power of communicating emotion.
Dimmesdale becomes more popular as a minister because of his sorrows, intellectual gifts, his sensitivity, and power of communicating emotion.
What is ironic about Dimmesdale's incredible success as a minister?
What is ironic about Dimmesdale's incredible success as a minister?
Describe the men of Dimmesdale's congregation.
Describe the men of Dimmesdale's congregation.
These fathers, otherwise so apostolic, lacked Heaven's last and rarest attestation of their office, the _____________________
These fathers, otherwise so apostolic, lacked Heaven's last and rarest attestation of their office, the _____________________
What does Dimmesdale's congregation think of him?
What does Dimmesdale's congregation think of him?
Why are Dimmesdale's public assertions of guilt ironic?
Why are Dimmesdale's public assertions of guilt ironic?
When Dimmesdale thought of his grave, what did he always question?
When Dimmesdale thought of his grave, what did he always question?
What does Dimmesdale repeatedly resolve to do that he keeps postponing?
What does Dimmesdale repeatedly resolve to do that he keeps postponing?
How does the congregation react to Dimmesdale's self-condemning sermons?
How does the congregation react to Dimmesdale's self-condemning sermons?
Explain the ways Dimmesdale tortures himself.
Explain the ways Dimmesdale tortures himself.
What visions did Dimmesdale have during his vigils?
What visions did Dimmesdale have during his vigils?
What was the only truth that continued to give Dimmesdale a real existence on Earth?
What was the only truth that continued to give Dimmesdale a real existence on Earth?
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?
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?
Where did Dimmesdale go at midnight? Why?
Where did Dimmesdale go at midnight? Why?
What does Dimmesdale fear will happen to his body while he is on the scaffold?
What does Dimmesdale fear will happen to his body while he is on the scaffold?
Is this penance on the scaffold real?
Is this penance on the scaffold real?
Mr.Dimmesdale was overcome with a great horror of mind, as if the universe were gazing at a ________________ on his naked breast, right over his heart.
Mr.Dimmesdale was overcome with a great horror of mind, as if the universe were gazing at a ________________ on his naked breast, right over his heart.
What does Dimmesdale do when he climbs up on the scaffold in the dead of the night?
What does Dimmesdale do when he climbs up on the scaffold in the dead of the night?
Why does Dimmesdale cry out while on the scaffold?
Why does Dimmesdale cry out while on the scaffold?
How is the episode of Dimmesdale's midnight vigil on the scaffold structurally important?
How is the episode of Dimmesdale's midnight vigil on the scaffold structurally important?
What does Dimmesdale think will happen after he screams? Does it happen?
What does Dimmesdale think will happen after he screams? Does it happen?
There were two people who did awake from Dimmesdale's scream and looked out their windows. Who were they?
There were two people who did awake from Dimmesdale's scream and looked out their windows. Who were they?
Who is the first person to walk past Dimmesdale on the scaffold while carrying a lantern walking back from Governor Winthrop's death bed?
Who is the first person to walk past Dimmesdale on the scaffold while carrying a lantern walking back from Governor Winthrop's death bed?
What does Dimmesdale imagine saying to Mr.Wilson as he passes by the scaffold?
What does Dimmesdale imagine saying to Mr.Wilson as he passes by the scaffold?
Who are the next pair to walk by Dimmesdale while he is on the scaffold?
Who are the next pair to walk by Dimmesdale while he is on the scaffold?
Where had Mr.Wilson, Hester, Pearl, and Roger Chillingworth been that night, that they would all be walking by the scaffold at midnight?
Where had Mr.Wilson, Hester, Pearl, and Roger Chillingworth been that night, that they would all be walking by the scaffold at midnight?
What is Hester sewing for Governor Winthrop?
What is Hester sewing for Governor Winthrop?
What does Dimmesdale invite Hester and Pearl to do with him?
What does Dimmesdale invite Hester and Pearl to do with him?
What did Pearl ask Dimmesdale as they stood on the scaffold?
What did Pearl ask Dimmesdale as they stood on the scaffold?
What excuse does Dimmesdale make in order to avoid Pearl's question?
What excuse does Dimmesdale make in order to avoid Pearl's question?
What is the significance of Pearl's challenge to Dimmesdale?
What is the significance of Pearl's challenge to Dimmesdale?
What natural phenomenon do Dimmesdale, Hester, and Pearl all observe together?
What natural phenomenon do Dimmesdale, Hester, and Pearl all observe together?
Where is each major character located when the meteor is seen?
Where is each major character located when the meteor is seen?
What is the significance of the meteor event?
What is the significance of the meteor event?
What, in those days, were meteors thought to be?
What, in those days, were meteors thought to be?
What 'sign' did the meteor make in the sky?
What 'sign' did the meteor make in the sky?
How does Dimmesdale feel as he holds Pearl's hand? Why?
How does Dimmesdale feel as he holds Pearl's hand? Why?
Who is the last person to stop by the scaffold?
Who is the last person to stop by the scaffold?
Once the minister notices Roger Chillingworth while on the scaffold, what does he ask Hester concerning him?
Once the minister notices Roger Chillingworth while on the scaffold, what does he ask Hester concerning him?
Pearl says she can tell Dimmesdale who Roger Chillingworth is. What is her answer? Why is this her answer?
Pearl says she can tell Dimmesdale who Roger Chillingworth is. What is her answer? Why is this her answer?
What was Chillingworth concerned about when he started talking to Dimmesdale on the scaffold?
What was Chillingworth concerned about when he started talking to Dimmesdale on the scaffold?
What does the Sexton find at the scaffold and brings to Dimmesdale during his great sermon? How does he assume it got there?
What does the Sexton find at the scaffold and brings to Dimmesdale during his great sermon? How does he assume it got there?
The Sexton asks Dimmesdale if he saw the scarlet 'A' made by the meteor. What is Dimmesdale's answer?
The Sexton asks Dimmesdale if he saw the scarlet 'A' made by the meteor. What is Dimmesdale's answer?
What are the various interpretations the characters attribute to the shape of the meteor?
What are the various interpretations the characters attribute to the shape of the meteor?
Why does Pearl pull away from Dimmesdale?
Why does Pearl pull away from Dimmesdale?
After their meeting at the scaffold, what did Hester think of Dimmesdale health-wise?
After their meeting at the scaffold, what did Hester think of Dimmesdale health-wise?
How old is Pearl in chapter 13?
How old is Pearl in chapter 13?
What does it mean in Hester's case when it is stated, 'It is to the credit of human nature that, except where its selfishness is brought into play, it loves more readily than it hates'?
What does it mean in Hester's case when it is stated, 'It is to the credit of human nature that, except where its selfishness is brought into play, it loves more readily than it hates'?
What is significant about Hester's position in the community now that years have passed?
What is significant about Hester's position in the community now that years have passed?
How does Hester outwardly react to her continued ill-treatment by the townspeople? How do the townspeople react to Hester for reacting this way?
How does Hester outwardly react to her continued ill-treatment by the townspeople? How do the townspeople react to Hester for reacting this way?
What now did the Scarlet Letter become a symbol of?
What now did the Scarlet Letter become a symbol of?
What did the people that Hester helped say Hester's 'A' stood for now?
What did the people that Hester helped say Hester's 'A' stood for now?
When Hester met a stranger in the street and they tried greeting her, what did she always do? How did society react to this?
When Hester met a stranger in the street and they tried greeting her, what did she always do? How did society react to this?
Compare the feelings of the general public to those of the community leaders regarding Hester. Explain why the groups view her differently.
Compare the feelings of the general public to those of the community leaders regarding Hester. Explain why the groups view her differently.
What was rumored to hit the Scarlet Letter and fall?
What was rumored to hit the Scarlet Letter and fall?
Compare the initial intent behind the Scarlet Letter to the actual effect on Hester.
Compare the initial intent behind the Scarlet Letter to the actual effect on Hester.
What actions has Hester taken to create this change in the townspeople's opinion of her?
What actions has Hester taken to create this change in the townspeople's opinion of her?
What changes as a person has Hester undergone?
What changes as a person has Hester undergone?
Much to the marble coldness of Hester's impression was to be attributed to the circumstance that her life had turned from passion and feeling to _______________
Much to the marble coldness of Hester's impression was to be attributed to the circumstance that her life had turned from passion and feeling to _______________
What is the significance of Hester's changed appearance?
What is the significance of Hester's changed appearance?
Explain the statement: 'It is remarkable, that persons who speculate the most boldly often conform with the most perfect quietude to the external regulations of society. The thought suffices them.....'
Explain the statement: 'It is remarkable, that persons who speculate the most boldly often conform with the most perfect quietude to the external regulations of society. The thought suffices them.....'
What would have happened to Hester without Pearl in her life?
What would have happened to Hester without Pearl in her life?
True or false: Hester considered murdering Pearl and then taking her own life.
True or false: Hester considered murdering Pearl and then taking her own life.
What is Hester's opinion of womanhood in Puritan society?
What is Hester's opinion of womanhood in Puritan society?
Why does Hawthorne state, 'The scarlet letter had not done its office'?
Why does Hawthorne state, 'The scarlet letter had not done its office'?
Does Hester partly blame herself for what is happening to Dimmesdale?
Does Hester partly blame herself for what is happening to Dimmesdale?
What does Hester resolve to do? Why?
What does Hester resolve to do? Why?
Where do Hester and Pearl meet Chillingworth to talk to him about breaking her promise?
Where do Hester and Pearl meet Chillingworth to talk to him about breaking her promise?
What did Pearl do while Hester talked to Chillingworth about her promise and Dimmesdale?
What did Pearl do while Hester talked to Chillingworth about her promise and Dimmesdale?
What is Chillingworth doing at the seashore?
What is Chillingworth doing at the seashore?
According to Chillingworth, what are the town leaders currently discussing since she hasn't sinned anymore and brought herself along really well?
According to Chillingworth, what are the town leaders currently discussing since she hasn't sinned anymore and brought herself along really well?
Who does Hester say is the only one who can remove the 'A' from her dress?
Who does Hester say is the only one who can remove the 'A' from her dress?
What is Hester's response to the announcement that the Council has debated allowing her to remove her scarlet letter?
What is Hester's response to the announcement that the Council has debated allowing her to remove her scarlet letter?
Because of his physical appearances, what does Hester say she sees in Chillingworth?
Because of his physical appearances, what does Hester say she sees in Chillingworth?
True or false: Hester admits she made a promise with Chillingworth and kept it. Knowing this, she had a duty to Dimmesdale though and was breaking that by keeping Chillingworth's secret. She admits he is torturing Dimmesdale. Even though she cheated on Chillingworth, she still had the ability to make things right with Dimmesdale (basically she admits she made the wrong choice).
True or false: Hester admits she made a promise with Chillingworth and kept it. Knowing this, she had a duty to Dimmesdale though and was breaking that by keeping Chillingworth's secret. She admits he is torturing Dimmesdale. Even though she cheated on Chillingworth, she still had the ability to make things right with Dimmesdale (basically she admits she made the wrong choice).
Explain the statement: 'My finger, pointed at this man, would have hurled him from his pulpit into a dungeon to the gallows.' How does Hester reply to this?
Explain the statement: 'My finger, pointed at this man, would have hurled him from his pulpit into a dungeon to the gallows.' How does Hester reply to this?
Why is Chillingworth proud he kept Dimmesdale alive this long?
Why is Chillingworth proud he kept Dimmesdale alive this long?
Who does Chillingworth blame for turning him into a cruel man?
Who does Chillingworth blame for turning him into a cruel man?
Why does Chillingworth believe he has a double reason for punishing Dimmesdale?
Why does Chillingworth believe he has a double reason for punishing Dimmesdale?
How is the doctrine of predestination reflected in this conversation between Hester and Chillingworth?
How is the doctrine of predestination reflected in this conversation between Hester and Chillingworth?
According to Chillingworth, Dimmesdale has '...but increased his debt'. Why?
According to Chillingworth, Dimmesdale has '...but increased his debt'. Why?
Hester says Chillingworth shouldn't blame Dimmesdale for the man Chillingworth has become. Hester asks why Chillingworth has taken out his vengeance on her. What is Chillingworth's reply?
Hester says Chillingworth shouldn't blame Dimmesdale for the man Chillingworth has become. Hester asks why Chillingworth has taken out his vengeance on her. What is Chillingworth's reply?
Study Notes
Chillingworth's Revenge
- Chillingworth becomes a calculating figure, intent on tormenting Dimmesdale, leading to a cruel dynamic between the two.
- After learning Dimmesdale's secret, Chillingworth actively participates in Dimmesdale's psychological distress, becoming a haunting presence for him.
Dimmesdale's Popularity and Internal Conflict
- Dimmesdale's popularity rises due to his suffering and sensitivity, ironically amplifying his guilt and making him appear more holy to his congregation.
- The contrast between Dimmesdale's outward success as a minister and his inner turmoil illustrates the hypocrisy of his public persona compared to his secret sins.
Congregation's Perception
- Dimmesdale is idealized by his congregation, viewed as a martyr despite his self-condemning nature, which only deepens his internal conflict.
- The congregation’s idolization distresses Dimmesdale, as his public persona contradicts his personal despair.
Self-Torture and Guilt
- Dimmesdale inflicts physical suffering upon himself, reflecting his guilt through acts like fasting and self-whipping.
- He experiences hallucinations during vigils, manifesting visions of his past and present relationships with figures such as Hester and Pearl.
Midnight Vigil on the Scaffold
- Dimmesdale climbs the scaffold at midnight, seeking peace through atonement even though it’s a private act and not a public confession.
- His scream signifies exposure to the universe, a moment of personal truth, revealing the depth of his torment.
The Meteor Incident
- A meteor forming an "A" in the sky symbolizes Dimmesdale’s guilt and is interpreted differently by the townspeople, adding layers of irony to their understanding of sin and shame.
- The celestial phenomenon serves as a reminder of Dimmesdale’s inner struggle while being misconstrued by society.
Hester's Changed Role and Perception
- Over time, Hester earns respect in the community, her scarlet letter transforming from a symbol of shame to one of strength and capability ("Able").
- Hester's character evolves as she shifts from a passionate woman to one who embraces a more stoic existence due to her past.
Chillingworth's Manipulation and Malice
- Chillingworth takes pride in extending Dimmesdale's suffering, positioning himself as the antagonist of Dimmesdale's turmoil.
- He believes that punishment is not only a matter of justice but also a personal vendetta against Dimmesdale for the perceived wrongs against him.
Themes of Sin and Redemption
- The characters each respond differently to sin: Hester openly accepts responsibility, Dimmesdale hides his, and Chillingworth seeks vengeance.
- Hester aspires for redemption, desiring to protect Dimmesdale and shift the balance of punishment from Chillingworth’s torment to divine judgment.
Final Confrontations and Revelations
- Hester confronts Chillingworth, revealing their marital bond and pleading for Dimmesdale’s mental peace.
- The psychological entanglement highlights the consequences of silenced truths, where personal suffering leads to moral decay.
Hester's Internal Conflict
- Hester experiences conflicting feelings about her past choices regarding Chillingworth and Dimmesdale, feeling guilt over her involvement in their fates.
- Her acknowledgment of Chillingworth's transformation into a "fiend" encapsulates her sense of responsibility for the suffering they endure.### Hester's Realization of Sin
- Hester recognizes her true sin is marrying Chillingworth without love, solely for convenience.
- This union leads to her dissatisfaction, making it a more grievous sin than her affair with Dimmesdale.
Chillingworth's Moral Failings
- Hester perceives that Chillingworth has wronged her more than she wronged him.
- His actions are deemed a greater sin, highlighting his moral corruption.
Pearl’s Activities by the Shore
- Pearl engages in various imaginative play while Hester and Chillingworth talk:
- She plays with her reflection in water.
- Creates birch-bark boats.
- Melts jellyfish in the sun.
- Throws pebbles at birds, feeling remorse after hitting one.
- Crafts a green letter "A" from seaweed as a costume.
Pearl's Insight About the Scarlet Letter
- When Hester asks Pearl about the reason for the scarlet letter, Pearl intuitively connects it to the minister’s hidden shame, referring to his hand over his heart.
Hester's Repentance Journey
- Hester concludes that her repentance remains incomplete until Pearl learns the truth about her identity.
- She recognizes the need to release the negative emotions tied to the scarlet letter.
Pearl's Growth and Potential
- Hester believes Pearl is maturing and can empathize with her, indicating she could become a strong woman and a potential friend.
Hester's Misrepresentation to Pearl
- Hester deceives Pearl by claiming the scarlet letter is worn for its adornment of gold thread, masking the true reason behind it.
Importance of Truth in Pearl’s Questions
- Answering Pearl’s inquiries truthfully is crucial, as Hester feels threatened by negative influences associated with the scarlet letter’s symbolism.
- The letter represents more than shame; it has become a protective entity against the sin that seems to encroach upon her.
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Description
Test your understanding of chapters 11 to 15 of 'The Scarlet Letter'. This quiz focuses on the dynamic between Chillingworth and Dimmesdale, exploring themes of revenge and morality. Ideal for students looking to deepen their comprehension of this classic novel.
