The Scarlet Letter: Dimmesdale's Struggles

Questions and Answers

What do they think will happen to Dimmesdale?

They believe that his death could happen at any time.

How does the crowd respond to Dimmesdale about his sermon?

They shouted out of tribute for him.

Why does the shout die to a murmur?

They noticed how feeble and pale he looked and how he nervously tottered.

What happens to Dimmesdale once his face gets pallor?

He struggles to walk. Signup and view all the answers

What do several people try to do for Dimmesdale?

Help him, but he stops them until he gets to the scaffold. Signup and view all the answers

Who is on the scaffold?

Hester and Pearl. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale do once he turns to the scaffold?

Calls Hester and Pearl out to his side. Signup and view all the answers

Who appears out of nowhere by the scaffold?

Chillingworth. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dimmesdale react when Chillingworth attempts to stop him by grabbing his arm?

He scorns Chillingworth and cries for Hester's help up the scaffold. Signup and view all the answers

What does the crowd seem astounded by?

As he struggles to get up the scaffold with the help of Hester's shoulder and Pearl's hand, the crowd was perplexed by what was happening. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Chillingworth's face darken?

It is due to the fact that Dimmesdale could only escape from the scaffold. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale tell Hester?

That he is dying and must acknowledge his shame. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale declare to the crowd?

That a spot on his chest is a sign of sin and his hypocrisy is recognized by the people. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale tear off?

A ministerial band from his breast. Signup and view all the answers

How did Dimmesdale stand after tearing the band?

Flushed with triumph. Signup and view all the answers

What do Hester and Chillingworth do when Dimmesdale falls down?

Hester partly raised him and supported his head against her bosom, and Chillingworth knelt down beside him devoid of energy. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dimmesdale reply to Chillingworth's remark?

"May God forgive thee! Thou, too, hast deeply sinned!" Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Dimmesdale turns to Pearl?

Dimmesdale requests a kiss, and Pearl kisses his lips and weeps. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pearl's weeping signify?

That Pearl has officially grown out of her innocence and wild spirit. Signup and view all the answers

What are Dimmesdale's dying words?

"Praised be his name! His will be done! Farewell!" Signup and view all the answers

When Hester expresses about spending the afterlife with him, what does Dimmesdale say?

That it will be God's decision to decide. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale fear?

That eternal happiness is not a state that they can hope for. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dimmesdale's Condition and Reactions

The crowd anticipates Dimmesdale's imminent death as they emerge from the church.
Despite their reverence and tribute after his sermon, a sense of concern arises when they observe his frailty.

Dimmesdale's Struggle

Dimmesdale appears increasingly weak and pale, struggling to walk, which escalates the crowd's anxiety.
He resists assistance from several individuals, insisting on reaching the scaffold independently.

Significant Characters on the Scaffold

Hester and Pearl await Dimmesdale's arrival on the scaffold, symbolizing unity and shame.
Chillingworth unexpectedly appears, representing past struggles and manipulations, attempting to intervene.

Confrontation and Confession

Dimmesdale summons Hester and Pearl to his side, rejecting Chillingworth’s grasp in a moment of defiance.
He acknowledges his shame publicly, declaring his hidden sin, which astounds the crowded witnesses.

Revelation and Transformation

Dimmesdale tears off his ministerial band, a powerful act of liberation, fueling his moment of triumph.
Despite his collapse, Hester supports him tenderly, while Chillingworth remains devoid of energy beside them.

Final Interactions and Words

Dimmesdale expresses forgiveness for Chillingworth amidst his own regrets.
In a poignant moment, he requests a kiss from Pearl, marking her transformation from innocence to awareness.

Thematic Reflections

Pearl’s weeping indicates a loss of innocence, aligning with her growth throughout the narrative.
Dimmesdale's dying words reflect a mix of faith and resignation, acknowledging God's ultimate authority over their fates.

Existential Concerns

Dimmesdale contemplates the uncertainty of eternal happiness, revealing fears regarding their potential afterlife together.

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Description

Explore the pivotal moments related to Dimmesdale's struggle in Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter'. This quiz covers his frailty, interactions with key characters, and the dramatic confession that signifies his transformation. Test your understanding of this classic narrative.