The Scarlet Letter Themes and Characters

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Questions and Answers

Where have Hester and Dimmesdale decided to go?

the old country

Why is Dimmesdale happy that the boat isn't leaving for four days?

he wants to give the election speech so he can have some closure to his job

Does the narrator mean Dimmesdale is an 'exemplary man' literally or ironically?

he is being ironic because in reality Dimmesdale is a sinner

In what way has Dimmesdale's encounter with Hester affected him physically?

he gets excited Signup and view all the answers

How does Dimmesdale feel about the town?

He feels as though the town looks different as a result of his own change Signup and view all the answers

Why does the town seem different to Dimmesdale?

The minister's own will, and Hester's will, and the fate that grew between them Signup and view all the answers

What strange urge does Dimmesdale feel?

go out into the streets and teach children swears Signup and view all the answers

How does this older woman feel about her minister and about religion?

she is devout and she thinks her minister is angelic Signup and view all the answers

What is the only thing the minister can think of to tell the elderly woman?

Human souls are not immortal and she would have been crushed Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the narrator describe Dimmesdale?

Lost and desperate because he is almost to the point where he can leave everything behind but he is not exactly there yet Signup and view all the answers

What does Dimmesdale want to do to the young woman's heart?

he wants to tell her that her innocence will no longer be once she gets married Signup and view all the answers

What two explanations for his behavior does Dimmesdale consider?

is is mad or has he given himself over to the fiend Signup and view all the answers

Who is the only person who notices a change in the minister?

Hibbons thinks he has gone to the forest Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dimmesdale consider his actions similar to a bargain with the devil?

he is tempted by happiness Signup and view all the answers

Does Dimmesdale reveal that he knows Chillingworth's true identity?

He pretends like he is still friends with Chillingworth and says that he doesn't need the drugs because he thinks he is on the up and up Signup and view all the answers

Of what is Dimmesdale convinced?

Dimmesdale is convinced that he was no longer a trusted friend, but his bitterest enemy which Roger knows Signup and view all the answers

What is Dimmesdale inspired to do?

tear up his sermon and put it into the fire Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Journey to the Old Country

Hester and Dimmesdale plan to escape to the old country together.

Dimmesdale's Decision

Dimmesdale feels relieved that the boat isn't leaving for four days, allowing him to deliver his election speech for closure in his role.

Irony in Descriptions

The narrator describes Dimmesdale as an "exemplary man" ironically, as he grapples with his guilt as a sinner.

Physical Effects of Guilt

Dimmesdale experiences physical excitement after reuniting with Hester, demonstrating the impact of their connection on him.

Shift in Perception

Dimmesdale perceives a change in the town reflective of his personal transformation, indicating his inner turmoil.

Influence of Will

The town's alteration in Dimmesdale's eyes is a product of their combined will and fate entwined with Hester.

Dark Urges

Dimmesdale feels an urge to act irresponsibly, contemplating teaching children inappropriate words, highlighting his moral conflict.

Elderly Woman's Devotion

An older woman views her minister as angelic, showcasing her deep religious faith and admiration.

Existential Thoughts

Dimmesdale contemplates discussing human souls' mortality with the elderly woman but fears such revelations would be devastating for her.

Desperation and Change

The narrator depicts Dimmesdale as lost and desperate, teetering on the brink of abandoning his former life.

Warning the Innocent

Dimmesdale wishes to protect a young woman's innocence by warning her of the realities of marriage.

Self-Doubt and Madness

Dimmesdale grapples with self-doubt, considering if he is mad or has succumbed to temptation from evil.

Hibbins' Observations

Hibbins is the only character to notice Dimmesdale's change, believing he has ventured into the forest.

Bargain with the Devil

Dimmesdale associates his tempting thoughts of happiness with a deal made with the devil, reflecting his moral conflict.

Deception in Relationships

Dimmesdale pretends to maintain a friendship with Chillingworth, rejecting medications, illustrating his denial of the truth.

Enemy Within

Dimmesdale recognizes that Chillingworth is not a true friend but instead his bitter enemy, which Chillingworth is aware of.

Inspiration for Change

Dimmesdale is inspired to destroy his sermon, viewing it as an act of liberation from his burdens.

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Description

Explore the complex themes and character dynamics in Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter'. This quiz covers key moments involving Hester Prynne and Reverend Dimmesdale, reflecting on guilt, morality, and personal transformation. Test your understanding of the characters' struggles and the irony present in their situations.