Questions and Answers
- Which building in colonial Boston has a rosebush right outside it?
- True or false: Most of the crowd in the novel’s opening scene is sympathetic to Hester Prynne and disapproves of the ministers who have punished her.
False
- Where is Hester’s baby while she is standing on the scaffold during her punishment?
- A stranger in the crowd asks why Hester is being punished, and a local man says he must be a visitor if he has never heard of Hester’s sin. According to the stranger, where has he been that he has not received news of the incident?
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- True or false: Even though he is still young, Reverend Dimmesdale is already very well respected by the townspeople.
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- True or false: Reverend Wilson says that if Hester tells the community the name of her lover and repents of her sin, she will be allowed to take the scarlet letter off.
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Study Notes
Colonial Boston and Hester Prynne
- The building in colonial Boston with a rosebush outside is the Old Manse.
- The rosebush symbolizes resilience and beauty amid hardship.
Opening Scene Reactions
- The majority of the crowd in the opening scene of Hester Prynne's punishment shows disapproval of the ministers and sympathy toward her.
Hester’s Baby
- Hester’s baby, Pearl, is with her on the scaffold during her public punishment, adding to her shame while emphasizing their connection.
Stranger's Inquiry
- A stranger in the crowd questions why Hester is being punished; a local man informs him that he must be a visitor unaware of Hester’s sin.
- The stranger has just arrived from a foreign land, suggesting a lack of local knowledge about the scandal.
Reverend Dimmesdale's Reputation
- Reverend Dimmesdale, although young, holds significant respect among the townspeople for his preaching and moral integrity.
Conditions for Hester's Release
- Reverend Wilson states that Hester can remove the scarlet letter if she confesses the identity of her lover and expresses genuine repentance for her actions.
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Description
Test your knowledge of 'The Scarlet Letter' with this quiz covering chapters 1-3. Answer questions about the author, setting, and the main symbol in this classic novel. See how well you remember the details of this iconic literary work.
