The Scarlet Letter Chapters 11-15 Quiz

Questions and Answers

What secret does Hester say she must reveal?

That Chillingworth is her husband

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?

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.

Hester admits her sin and accepts punishment; Dimmesdale hides his sin, which consumes him; Chillingworth seeks revenge but suffers for it. Signup and view all the answers

As Chillingworth is walking away, what does Hester expect to see happen to the ground that Chillingworth walks on?

The grass and flowers turn black and die. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester feel towards Chillingworth as she looks back at him walking and collecting herbs?

"Be it sin or no, I hate the man". Signup and view all the answers

How have Hester's memories changed concerning Chillingworth?

Hester is mad at the fact that she can't even think about their happy, married life; she only sees him as a monster now. Signup and view all the answers

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?

Her true sin was marrying Chillingworth out of convenience and not love; it's considered worse because her decision doesn't make her satisfied with her marriage. Signup and view all the answers

True or false: Hester says that Chillingworth has done her wrong more than she did him wrong.

True Signup and view all the answers

What types of things, specifically, was Pearl doing while Hester and Chillingworth were talking by the seashore?

Pearl played with her own image in a pool of water, made boats out of birch-bark, put a jellyfish to melt in the sun, threw pebbles at birds, and made a costume out of seaweed that forms a green letter 'A'. Signup and view all the answers

Hester asks Pearl if she knows the real reason why Hester must wear the scarlet letter. What is Pearl's reply?

Pearl says it's the same reason the minister keeps his hand over his heart. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester realize about her 'repentance'?

Hester realizes her repentance can never be complete until Pearl knows who she is. Signup and view all the answers

True or false: Hester believes Pearl is getting older now and can sympathize with her.

True Signup and view all the answers

What untruth does Hester tell Pearl concerning the reason why she wears the scarlet letter?

Hester says she wears it because of the gold thread. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary for Pearl's questions to be answered truthfully?

Hester is falling towards evil since the 'A' represents a guardian spirit that has sensed some sin creeping into it. Signup and view all the answers

Now that Chillingworth knows Dimmesdale's secret, how does Chillingworth treat Dimmesdale?

He plans to exact his revenge and becomes a cruel, calculating man and takes every opportunity he can to hurt him. Signup and view all the answers

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

Once Chillingworth discovers that Dimmesdale is the father, he begins to torment him. Dimmesdale does not realize that Chillingworth is the husband of Hester, but still feels like he is being haunted by Chillingworth. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Dimmesdale suspect Chillingworth of trying to ruin him?

Because he is too focused on himself. Signup and view all the answers

Dimmesdale becomes more popular as a minister because of his sorrows, intellectual gifts, his sensitivity, and power of communicating emotion.

True Signup and view all the answers

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

On the inside, he is tormenting himself for the public sins which he condemns. This is making him appear sicker, and the people think he is a martyr and is just getting closer with God. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the men of Dimmesdale's congregation.

<ul> <li>Some were scholars who have spent more time connected with God. - Were men of harder texture of mind and bigger understanding. - True saintly fathers.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

These fathers, otherwise so apostolic, lacked Heaven's last and rarest attestation of their office, the _____________________

Tongue of Flame. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale's congregation think of him?

They think he's practically a saint. Signup and view all the answers

Why are Dimmesdale's public assertions of guilt ironic?

The more he asserts his guilt, the more holy he appears to the public. Signup and view all the answers

When Dimmesdale thought of his grave, what did he always question?

Whether grass would grow on it. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale repeatedly resolve to do that he keeps postponing?

Publicly confess his sin (to say he is a pollution and a lie). Signup and view all the answers

How does the congregation react to Dimmesdale's self-condemning sermons?

The adoration which the congregation affords the minister disturbs him all the more because he 'loved the truth and loathed the lie'. Thus, the effect of his confessions wears more heavily upon him than his secret sin has done. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the ways Dimmesdale tortures himself.

He tortures himself physically: Whips himself, fasts, and holds extended vigils in which he stays awake through the night. Signup and view all the answers

What visions did Dimmesdale have during his vigils?

He had visions of a group of shining angels, dead childhood friends, mother and father, Hester and Pearl (Pearl is pointing at the scarlet letter and then at Dimmesdale's chest). Signup and view all the answers

What was the only truth that continued to give Dimmesdale a real existence on Earth?

The anguish of his inmost soul. 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?

Hester had to publicly stand on the scaffold for her sin, while Dimmesdale does it as a way of furthering his inner torment. When sin is kept as a secret, it poisons the soul and makes Dimmesdale do things that are publicly occurring to Hester. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Dimmesdale go at midnight? Why?

To the scaffold because he feels he will have more peace with himself if he stands at the place of atonement. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale fear will happen to his body while he is on the scaffold?

He will be unable to move in the morning because he has become so stiff. Signup and view all the answers

Is this penance on the scaffold real?

False Signup and view all the answers

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.

Scarlet token. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale do when he climbs up on the scaffold in the dead of the night?

Screams. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dimmesdale cry out while on the scaffold?

Dimmesdale shrieks out of horror that his guilt is exposed to the view of the universe. Signup and view all the answers

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

Even though it is not a public confession, he is finally confessing to himself, which is a step toward self-forgiveness. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale think will happen after he screams? Does it happen?

The whole town will awake and find Dimmesdale there and witness his guilt; no. Signup and view all the answers

There were two people who did awake from Dimmesdale's scream and looked out their windows. Who were they?

An old magistrate and Mistress Hibbins. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the first person to walk past Dimmesdale on the scaffold while carrying a lantern walking back from Governor Winthrop's death bed?

Mr.Wilson. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale imagine saying to Mr.Wilson as he passes by the scaffold?

'A good evening to you, venerable Father Wilson. Come up hither, I pray you, and pass a pleasant hour with me.' Signup and view all the answers

Who are the next pair to walk by Dimmesdale while he is on the scaffold?

Hester and Pearl. Signup and view all the answers

Where had Mr.Wilson, Hester, Pearl, and Roger Chillingworth been that night, that they would all be walking by the scaffold at midnight?

At Governor Winthrop's death bed. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hester sewing for Governor Winthrop?

His death shroud. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale invite Hester and Pearl to do with him?

Stand on the scaffold with him. Signup and view all the answers

What did Pearl ask Dimmesdale as they stood on the scaffold?

If he would stand hand in hand with her and Hester on the scaffold in front of everyone. Signup and view all the answers

What excuse does Dimmesdale make in order to avoid Pearl's question?

He says that he will another day, on Judgement Day—Dimmesdale hides behind religion to evade Pearl's invitation to escape from his secrets. Signup and view all the answers

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

Pearl is giving him a chance to admit the truth. It also shows us how weak Dimmesdale is. Signup and view all the answers

What natural phenomenon do Dimmesdale, Hester, and Pearl all observe together?

A meteor. Signup and view all the answers

Where is each major character located when the meteor is seen?

Dimmesdale, Hester, and Pearl are on the scaffold while Chillingworth is approaching it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the meteor event?

It's an example of cosmic irony. Dimmesdale sees the meteoric 'A' as confirmation that he should also wear a mark of shame while the rest of the town thinks it stands for Angel. The meteor also marks Governor Winthrop's entrance into Heaven. Signup and view all the answers

What, in those days, were meteors thought to be?

Harbingers foretelling a coming disaster. Signup and view all the answers

What 'sign' did the meteor make in the sky?

'A'. Signup and view all the answers

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

He is filled with a new energy as they hold hands. He feels life pouring into him once more. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the last person to stop by the scaffold?

Roger Chillingworth. Signup and view all the answers

Once the minister notices Roger Chillingworth while on the scaffold, what does he ask Hester concerning him?

He asks who that man is and also tells Hester he hates him. Signup and view all the answers

Pearl says she can tell Dimmesdale who Roger Chillingworth is. What is her answer? Why is this her answer?

She just whispers gibberish in his ear. This is her answer as a punishment for declining to stand with her and Hester. Signup and view all the answers

What was Chillingworth concerned about when he started talking to Dimmesdale on the scaffold?

He was worried Dimmesdale wouldn't get enough sleep for the sermon tomorrow. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Sexton find at the scaffold and brings to Dimmesdale during his great sermon? How does he assume it got there?

His black glove; he assumes that the devil put it there as a cruel joke. Signup and view all the answers

The Sexton asks Dimmesdale if he saw the scarlet 'A' made by the meteor. What is Dimmesdale's answer?

Dimmesdale lies and says no. Signup and view all the answers

What are the various interpretations the characters attribute to the shape of the meteor?

Dimmesdale interprets that shape to indicate that Heaven has taken notice of his guilt. The townspeople interpret the 'A' to stand for 'Angel' for Governor Winthrop's entrance into Heaven. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Pearl pull away from Dimmesdale?

She doesn't yet trust him since he won't stand on the scaffold with them. Signup and view all the answers

After their meeting at the scaffold, what did Hester think of Dimmesdale health-wise?

She was shocked and upset at the condition of him; she feels she must get close to him, but must be careful about it; she feels a responsibility towards Dimmesdale. Signup and view all the answers

How old is Pearl in chapter 13?

Seven years old. Signup and view all the answers

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'?

It means the Puritans are much kinder to her than they used to be. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Hester's position in the community now that years have passed?

Hester is more highly regarded now than she was before since it's been seven years and she served her punishment gracefully; they see her more for her charity works instead of her sin. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hester outwardly react to her continued ill-treatment by the townspeople? How do the townspeople react to Hester for reacting this way?

Goes about her work without complaint; they respect her for it. Signup and view all the answers

What now did the Scarlet Letter become a symbol of?

The calling of Hester. Signup and view all the answers

What did the people that Hester helped say Hester's 'A' stood for now?

Able. Signup and view all the answers

When Hester met a stranger in the street and they tried greeting her, what did she always do? How did society react to this?

She would lay her finger on the scarlet letter and move on; they were fine with it (Hawthorne wonders if this is pride or being humble). Signup and view all the answers

Compare the feelings of the general public to those of the community leaders regarding Hester. Explain why the groups view her differently.

Most people have forgiven Hester and now consider her a part of the community. They are proud instead of ashamed. The older members are less forgiving and stick to their beliefs. Leaders are civil law versus the general is moral law. Signup and view all the answers

What was rumored to hit the Scarlet Letter and fall?

An Indian's arrow. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the initial intent behind the Scarlet Letter to the actual effect on Hester.

Originally, it represented her sin and caused her to be an outcast. Now, it acts more as a cross (like a nun would wear) giving her a sacredness. Signup and view all the answers

What actions has Hester taken to create this change in the townspeople's opinion of her?

<ul> <li>Donated to the poor. - Helped the sick.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

What changes as a person has Hester undergone?

She loses the essential womanly quality—her rich hair is hidden, her clothes are plain, she seems cold and passionless, doesn't care about what's right or wrong in society. Signup and view all the answers

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 _______________

Thought. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Hester's changed appearance?

It shows she lost all hope for the future and lost love for Dimmesdale. This has taken away a lot of her beauty and what made her so vital and young. Signup and view all the answers

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.....'

The people who question society the most are confronted the most. They would rather criticize society rather than do something about it. Signup and view all the answers

What would have happened to Hester without Pearl in her life?

She would have been a founder of a religious sect, like Ann Hutchinson. Signup and view all the answers

True or false: Hester considered murdering Pearl and then taking her own life.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is Hester's opinion of womanhood in Puritan society?

Even the happiest woman don't have it very good. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hawthorne state, 'The scarlet letter had not done its office'?

It is designed to remind Hester of her sin, but she criticizes society instead. Signup and view all the answers

Does Hester partly blame herself for what is happening to Dimmesdale?

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester resolve to do? Why?

She resolves to talk to Chillingworth and get him to stop torturing Dimmesdale (break her promise with Chillingworth). Signup and view all the answers

Where do Hester and Pearl meet Chillingworth to talk to him about breaking her promise?

At an isolated part of the peninsula near the seashore. Signup and view all the answers

What did Pearl do while Hester talked to Chillingworth about her promise and Dimmesdale?

Played in the water. Signup and view all the answers

What is Chillingworth doing at the seashore?

Gathering herbs and roots for medical usage. Signup and view all the answers

According to Chillingworth, what are the town leaders currently discussing since she hasn't sinned anymore and brought herself along really well?

Letting Hester take off the 'A'. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Hester say is the only one who can remove the 'A' from her dress?

God. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hester's response to the announcement that the Council has debated allowing her to remove her scarlet letter?

It is not their place to remove it, but if she was no longer for it that it would fall off on its own or change into something. Signup and view all the answers

Because of his physical appearances, what does Hester say she sees in Chillingworth?

The devil. Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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?

Chillingworth says Hester really had no choice but to keep silent. If Chillingworth spoke out and said Dimmesdale is the father, Dimmesdale would've been sentenced to death; Hester said it would have been better to just let Dimmesdale die at that point. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Chillingworth proud he kept Dimmesdale alive this long?

So Dimmesdale can suffer longer. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Chillingworth blame for turning him into a cruel man?

Dimmesdale. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Chillingworth believe he has a double reason for punishing Dimmesdale?

<ul> <li>Sinners should be punished because it's the law. - He wants revenge on Dimmesdale.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

How is the doctrine of predestination reflected in this conversation between Hester and Chillingworth?

Chillingworth states Dimmesdale has increased the debt with suffering. No matter what he does he damns himself in Chillingworth's eyes. Claims that Hester and Dimmesdale don't have sin and he is not evil. Predestination is already determined. Signup and view all the answers

According to Chillingworth, Dimmesdale has '...but increased his debt'. Why?

He is the reason Chillingworth has turned into a fiend. Signup and view all the answers

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?

Chillingworth does not directly answer Hester's question. Signup and view all the answers

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.