The Scarlet Letter: Pearl and Dimmesdale

Questions and Answers

Why does Pearl hesitate to return to her mother when she is called?

Pearl hesitates to return because she doesn't recognize her mother with her hair out of the hat and loose and without the scarlet letter on her bosom.

What does Pearl want Hester to do before she comes back to her?

Before Pearl comes back, she makes her mother put her hair back up and pin the scarlet letter back to her chest.

Describe Pearl's actions upon returning to her mother.

When Pearl comes back to her mother, she kisses her mother's cheek as well as the scarlet letter on her chest.

What does Hester tell Pearl about Dimmesdale?

Hester tells Pearl that the minister loves them both and that someday soon they will have a home and fireside of their own. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pearl do after Dimmesdale kisses her? Why do you think she does this?

Pearl runs back to the brook and washes the kiss off. Signup and view all the answers

What have Hester and Dimmesdale decided to do about their situation?

They decide that they will go back to Europe on the next boat. Signup and view all the answers

As Dimmesdale walks back through town, who does he encounter?

Dimmesdale encounters an old deacon, the oldest female member of his church, and the youngest female member of his church. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mistress Hibbins tell Dimmesdale?

Mistress Hibbins tells him that the next time he goes into the forest to meet the Black Man she will be more than happy to accompany him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale tell Chillingworth when he gets back home?

Dimmesdale tells Chillingworth that he no longer needs his help or his medicine. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale do that evening and all through the night?

He rewrites his Election Day sermon. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Election Day and how it is celebrated.

Election Day is a celebration of the reinstating of a new governor with elegant dressing, wrestling matches, a sword fight, a procession, and a sermon. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pearl ask Hester about Dimmesdale?

Pearl asks her mother if Dimmesdale will hold both of their hands as they did by the brook the day before. Signup and view all the answers

What observation does Pearl make about Dimmesdale's interaction with them?

She realizes that at night or when no one is around, Dimmesdale freely kisses and acknowledges Hester and Pearl, but that during the day he pays no attention to them. Signup and view all the answers

What news does Hester receive just before the procession starts?

The sailor informs her that Chillingworth has also decided to join their party and will sail with them. Signup and view all the answers

Who is staring and smiling at her ominously?

Chillingworth is staring and smiling at her. Signup and view all the answers

How has Dimmesdale's appearance changed?

On Election Day he seems completely well and recovered, looking as if he has never been sick. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the verbal interaction between Mistress Hibbins and Hester. What does Hibbins tell Pearl?

Mistress Hibbins asks Hester if Dimmesdale is the same today as the day before. She mockingly questions Hester about the minister hiding something. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Hester stand to listen to the sermon? Why?

Hester listens to the sermon by the foot of the scaffold where the story first began. Signup and view all the answers

What news does Hester receive during the sermon?

The sailor has Pearl convey the message that Chillingworth will bring Dimmesdale on board himself. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hester realize while she is standing by the scaffold?

Hester realizes that everyone is staring at her and the scarlet letter as if it were the very first day she wore it. Signup and view all the answers

What do the townspeople say about Dimmesdale's sermon?

They think the Election Day sermon was Dimmesdale's best sermon yet, more inspired and wise than any other. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale do instead of following the procession out? What happens?

Dimmesdale goes onto the scaffold and takes Hester and Pearl with him, confessing his sin. Signup and view all the answers

What is Chillingworth's reaction to the scene?

Chillingworth is horrified as he sees Dimmesdale about to die and screams 'Thou hast escaped me!' Signup and view all the answers

What does Pearl do right before Dimmesdale dies? What happens as a result?

Pearl kisses Dimmesdale, and it seems as if the spell has broken. Signup and view all the answers

How do the townspeople initially react to what they witness?

The initial reaction is of awe and wonder, followed by a murmur from the crowd. Signup and view all the answers

After a few days, what are the townspeople's different reactions to the scene that took place on Election Day?

Some believe they saw nothing, while others claim to have seen a scarlet letter on his flesh. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chillingworth do for Pearl after he dies?

Pearl becomes the wealthiest heiress of the New World because Chillingworth leaves all of his property to her. Signup and view all the answers

What do Hester and Pearl do after Chillingworth dies?

Hester and Pearl disappear to Europe. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hester come back to her cottage after being away for so long?

Hester comes back to her old cottage because she feels her true home is there with her former lover. Signup and view all the answers

What becomes her new role in the community?

The A now stands for adviser as she becomes an adviser for young women in the community. Signup and view all the answers

What do people assume happened to Pearl? What clues prove this?

Most assume Pearl married and had a child. Proof comes from trinkets around Hester's house and baby garments. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Hester buried?

She is buried next to Dimmesdale's grave but not touching it. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about how she is buried in relation to her former lover?

The two graves do not touch, symbolizing that even in death, they are not together. Signup and view all the answers

How old was Pearl at the beginning of chapter 19?

Seven. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale do to express his love for Pearl?

Dimmesdale kisses her forehead. Signup and view all the answers

How does Pearl respond to Dimmesdale's affection?

She washes the kiss off in water. Signup and view all the answers

Where do Hester and Dimmesdale decide to begin their new life?

Europe. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Dimmesdale glad they will leave in four days and no sooner?

He wants to preach an election sermon. Signup and view all the answers

Who stops Dimmesdale and tells him he/she knows why he visited the forest?

Mistress Hibbins. Signup and view all the answers

With whom is Chillingworth talking when he arrives at the celebrations?

The commander of the ship. Signup and view all the answers

Who addresses Hester during the procession, expressing knowledge of her meeting in the forest?

Mistress Hibbins. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Hester stand to hear the Election Day sermon?

At the foot of the scaffold. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale ask Pearl to do during his final moments?

Kiss him. Signup and view all the answers

What immediately happens to Chillingworth after Dimmesdale's death?

He became withered and shriveled and dies within a year. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Hester and Pearl?

They both disappear, and Hester returns. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Pearl at the end of the novel?

Living abroad and expecting a child. Signup and view all the answers

The character that serves as a foil for Dimmesdale is...

Chillingworth. Signup and view all the answers

All of the following are symbols in the story except?

Books Signup and view all the answers

The three most important scenes in the novel take place?

On the scaffold Signup and view all the answers

All of the following themes in the novel except?

Victory Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pearl and Hester's Relationship

Pearl does not recognize Hester when she calls, due to Hester's changed appearance without the scarlet letter and her hair down.
Pearl demands that Hester put her hair up and reattach the scarlet letter before she returns to her mother.
Upon returning, Pearl affectionately kisses Hester and the scarlet letter, showcasing her complex feelings toward her mother’s identity.

Dimmesdale and Chillingworth

Hester explains to Pearl that Dimmesdale loves them and envisions a future together as a family.
After Dimmesdale kisses Pearl, she runs to the brook to wash it off, implying either rejection of his affection or a preference for her mother's love.
Dimmesdale resolves to leave for Europe with Hester and Pearl, expressing desperation for a fresh start.

Dimmesdale's Inner Turmoil

On his way through town, Dimmesdale feels rebellious and fights impulses to act against his ministerial role and duty.
He encounters various townspeople but feels the urge to act inappropriately, revealing his inner conflict and guilt.
Mistress Hibbins taunts Dimmesdale about meeting the Black Man in the forest, leading to further distress in his already troubled conscience.

The Election Day Sermon

Election Day marks the celebration of a new governor, featuring festive activities and a public sermon delivered by Dimmesdale.
Hester positions herself at the scaffold’s foot, where she reflects on the events of her past and her sins.
Pearl observes Dimmesdale's nonchalant behavior in public, contrasting it with their private interactions.

Dimmesdale's Confession

Dimmesdale instead of following the procession, ascends the scaffold and publicly confesses his sin, revealing a deep connection to his guilt and love for Hester and Pearl.
Chillingworth reacts in horror, feeling robbed of his power as Dimmesdale reveals his secrets.

Aftermath of Dimmesdale's Death

Pearl kisses Dimmesdale before his death, breaking a spell of separation, and acknowledges him fully as her father.
The townspeople react with awe to Dimmesdale's confession, leading to mixed interpretations of what they witnessed.
Chillingworth’s demise leaves Pearl as the richest heiress, hinting at her potential future and freedom.

Hester's Transformation

After Chillingworth's death, Hester returns to her cottage, seeing it as her true home.
She assumes a new role as an advisor to young women in the community, shifting the meaning of her scarlet letter from shame to guidance.
Hester’s ambiguous burial alongside Dimmesdale represents both their connection and the separation dictated by societal norms.

Pearl's Future

Pearl is believed to have grown up well and wealthy, with evidence suggesting she married and had children.
The symbol of the scarlet letter evolves throughout the narrative, concluding in a new understanding of identity and redemption.

Overall Themes

The character of Chillingworth serves as a foil to Dimmesdale, representing vengeance versus love.
Key events in the story frequently occur on the scaffold, symbolizing public judgment and personal truth.
Themes of sin, guilt, and redemption dominate the narrative, with the facilitating elements of love, shame, and societal norms depicted throughout.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationships in Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter'. This quiz delves into Pearl's feelings toward Hester and Dimmesdale's internal struggles. Discover how identity and love affect the characters' connections.