The Scarlet Letter Study Guide- Type and number all answers.

Chapter 1 “The Prison Door”

1. What colony is the setting for the novel? The setting is in Boston, in the 1600s.
2. Where in the colony does the opening chapter take place? The chapter starts in the town jail.
3. For what 2 “practical necessities” did the new colony set aside land? The practical necessities
are for burying bodies.
4. Who is Anne Hutchinson? How does Hawthorne feel about her? Hutchinson is a woman who
argued for religious freedom and for women in church, and Hawthorne feels pity for her.
5. What 2 possible symbols does the rose have for the reader? The rose symbolizes a new
beginning in a bleak place, and maybe for Hester.
Chapter 2 “The Market-Place”
6. Name 3 crimes and the punishments that the Puritans might witness. Other religious would be
whipped, drunks would be driven out of town, and witches would be hung.
7. What is the relationship between religion and law in Puritan New England? They go hand in
hand, with crimes being stated by the bible.
8. Describe the Puritan women. Use one quote from the book to support your answer. The Puritan
women are very up-tight and conformist. “is there no virtue on women, save what …fear of the
gallows?” The women talk much of killing or branding Hester, worse than what others feel should
be done.
9. What punishments would the Puritan women have given Hester Prynne if it were left to
them? Hester would have been killed for her crimes, or at least, be branded.
10. Describe the appearance of Hester Prynne. She was tall, and upon her dress the letter A, done
in golden thread.
11. What is Hester’s sin? Punishment? Hester’s sin is adultery, and her punishment is first to be
jailed, and then to wear a scarlet letter of A, representing adultery at all times.
12. What is astonishing about the “A” on her bodice? She doesn’t try to hide the A, instead
proudly putting on her dresses.
13. Why is Hester taken to the scaffold in the market-place? She is put there to be made an
example of.
14. What things does Hester think about while she is on the scaffold? She thinks of committing
suicide.
15. How old is her baby? Her baby is three months old.
16. What detail is given to suggest the baby was born in jail? Her baby is not that old.
Chapter 3 “The Recognition”
17. Describe the man who is standing on the outskirts of the crowd. A man with strange garb, that
of an Indian as well as European clothing.
18. What prior reference was made in Chapter 2 that reminds the reader of this man?
19. What gesture does he make to Hester that suggests he knows her? He raises a finger in the air,
and then puts it to his lips.
20. What does the stranger learn from the townsman next to him? He learns of Hester’s adultery.
21. Who is the father of Hester’s baby? The priest Dimmesdale.
22. What is the usual punishment for adultery? Why is Hester’s punishment less severe? The usual
punishment for adultery is death, but Hester has the baby.
23. What are Hester’s feelings toward the stranger? She shows fear for the stranger.
24. Who is Bellingham ? John Wilson? John Wilson is the elder clergy man, while Bellingham is the
governor.
25. What do Bellingham and Wilson want Hester to do? To tell who the father is.
26. Describe Dimmesdale. He is seen as very holy by the people.
27. What is his relationship to Hester? What does he ask her to reveal? He is the baby’s father, to
reveal the child’s father.
28. Why won’t Hester name the child’s father? So they won’t know it is Dimmesdale, and for him
to tell on his own. Also to protect him from her husband.
Chapter 4 “The Interview”
29. How does Hester act when she returns to prison? She is depressed yet determined.
30. Why does the jailer call a doctor? So he can help with medical problems.
31. What is the doctor’s name? Roger Chillingsworth.
32. Where did the “doctor” learn his skill? England, where they were from.
33. Quote 2 lines that indicate the doctor and Hester know each other before this meeting.
“in thy eyes if him who thou didst call thy husband” “from the moment that we came down the
old churchsteps together
34. What is the relationship between Chillingworth and Hester? They are married.
35. Why should Hester’s marriage be a failure? Roger could not make her happy.
36. Did Hester ever love her husband? Quote Hester to support your answer. No. “I felt no love,
nor feigned any.”
37. What does Chillingworth vow to do? His vow is to find the baby’s father and get his revenge.
38. What secret does Chillingworth ask Hester to keep? His identity is what he wishes her to keep
secret.”
39. What symbol is introduced for Chillingworth in Hester’s final lines in this chapter? She calls
him the “Black Man”, or the Devil.
Chapter 5: “Hester at Her Needle”
40. What “general symbol” has Hester become? A living sermon.
42. Give at least 2 reasons why Hester does not leave the colony. For Pearl, and for Dimmesdale.
43. Describe Hester’s home. It is a poor place, with little furniture.
43. What talent did Hester use to support herself and Pearl ? her sewing was used to support
them.
44. Answer.
45. What garments is Hester not allowed to sew? Wedding clothes.
46. Why type of dress did Hester wear? Pearl ? She wears horrible clothes, while she gives Pearl
beautiful clothes.
47. What does Hester do that shows she has a charitable nature? She gives her clothes away for
free.
48. How did the poor, the ladies of Boston , the clergy, and the children treat Hester? They treat
her like scum.
49. What special knowledge does Hester feel the Scarlet Letter gives her? She thinks it makes her
humble.
Chapter 6: “ Pearl ”
50. Why did Hester name her child “ Pearl ” ? Because she has taken all of what Hester has.
51. What does Hester look for in Pearl? Hope, of retribution from her sin.
52. Why does Hester dress Pearl the way she does? To dress her in a way she couldn’t be, to ber
her pearl.
53. What does Hester see in Pearl? Hester sees all of her sin made in one.
54. What does the Scarlet Letter mean to Pearl ? It is a tool to torture her mother, when she plays
with it, as Hester thinks her baby will commit adultery.
55. What did the townspeople say about Pearl ? They think she is a demon child.
Chapter 7: “The Governor’s Hall”
56. Name 2 reasons Hester visits Governor Bellingham. She wants to give the governor some
gloves, as well as make sure Pearl stays with her.
57. How are the Scarlet Letter and Pearl alike? They are both symbols of Hester’s sin.
58. Describe the governor’s mansion. What could it be a symbol of? As it is big and grand, wit
furniture and other things, it could be a symbol of greed.
Chapter 8: “The Elf and the Minister”
59. Who are the other visitors at the Governor’s house?The ministers and a “leech”.
60. How much time has elapsed since the opening scene? Two to three years.
61. With what creatures of fantasy is Pearl continually compared? Elves and fairies.
62. How has Chillingworth changed since Hester last saw him? He is more deranged, and finally
settled in the town.
63. Why does John Wilson question Pearl ? To see if she has been taught her religion.
64. How has Rev. Dimmesdale changed since Hester’s public humiliation? He is more weak, and
relies on the doctor.
65. Who pleads successfully for Hester to keep her child? Dimmesdale.
66. To which visitor does Pearl respond to lovingly? Hibbins.
Chapter 9: “The Leech”
67. What new identity has Chillingworth assumed in Boston ? Why is he successful? He assumes the
role of a doctor, and he is very successful.
68. To whom in the colony does Chillingworth attach himself as a medical advisor? Dimmesdale.
69. Describe Dimmesdale’s health. He is in very poor health, and has to have Roger with him.
70. What gesture has become Dimmesdale’s habit? To press his hand over his heart.
71. Quote a sentence from this chapter that associates Chillingworth with evil. “Now there was
something ugly and evil in his face”
72. What two opposing views do the townspeople hold about Roger Chillingworth? Either he is a
sorcerer, or he is a good person.
Chapter 10: “The Leech and His Patient”
73. What “investigation” consumes Chillingworth? To find who is the baby’s father.
74. Who is Chillingworth’s main suspect and victim? The preacher Dimmesdale.
75. What is a leech? What double meaning does the world “leech” have? A leech is a creature that
sucks blood out of its victim, a parasite that feasts on its host, as Roger does.
76. What secret does Chillingworth believe is buried in Dimmesdale’s heart? The secret of his sin.
77. Why would Dimmesdale live with guilt and not confess his sin openly? Because he is afraid
what the townspeople will think of him.
78. What reaction does Pearl have to Chillingworth when she sees him with Rev. Dimmesdale?
They pity the reverend.
79. What discovery does Chillingworth make when Dimmesdale “fell into a deep, deep
slumber”? He sees the imprint of an A on Dimmesdale’s chest.
Chapter 11: “The Interior of a Heart”
80. What effect does Reverend Dimmesdale’s guilt have upon his popularity in the colony? It
increases dramatically, as the people don’t really see his guilt.
81. What practices does Dimmesdale begin as a result of his guilt? He tortures himself.
Chapter 12: “The Minister’s Vigil”
82. What is a vigil? A vigil is a watch or evening religious prayers.
83. Where does Dimmesdale hold his vigil? He holds in on the scaffolding.
84. Why are Hester and Pearl out at midnight? Hester was measuring Winthrop for a robe.
85. What promise does Dimmesdale refuse to make to Pearl? He promises to go on the scaffolding
with her mother.
86. What is miraculous about the meteor? It appeared as if the letter A.
87. What is the purpose of the glove scene? As a foreshadowing of Chillingworth’s treachery.
Chapter 13: “Another View of Hester”
88. How old is Pearl in this chapter?
89. How has the townspeople’s view changed toward Hester?
90. How has Hester’s appearance changed?
91. What does Hester resolve to do?
Chapter 14: “Hester and the Physician”
92. How has Roger Chillingworth changed in the past 7 years? He tortures and hurts Dimmesdale
with his “medicine”.
93. Quote at least one line that directly associates Chillingworth with the devil. Cite the page
number. “ a secret enemy”(page 154)
94. What does Hester want Chillingworth to do? To tell his true identity.
95. What revelation is she going to make to Reverend Dimmesdale. That Chillingsworth is not
actually helping him.
96. What effect has Chillingworth had on Dimmesdale? Quote a line to support your answer. He
has poisoned him farther than the original disease, “a deadlier venom had been infused into it by
the hand that proffered relief.” (154)
Chapter 15: “Hester and Pearl ”
97. Read Hester’s description of Chillingworth carefully. How does she feel about him? She feels
that he is still evil, deep down beneath.
98. What questions does Pearl ask her mother? Why does this trouble Hester? What the letter A
means. She doesn’t want to tell Pearl of her grievances.
Chapter 16: “A Forest Walk”
99. Where does Hester plan to meet Dimmesdale? Why? They plan to meet in the forest, because
it is far from everyone else.
100. Describe the scene with Hester and Pearl in the sunlight. What symbolic meaning could
the sunlight have? Why does sunlight shine on Pearl and not on Hester? It means that Pearl is a
clean slate, unlike her mother who has sinned.
101. What story has Pearl heard about the “black man”? How he wanders the forest, getting
people to sign his book.
102. What does Hester mean when she says, “Once in my life, I met the Black Man. This
scarlet letter is his mark.” Her sinning is her meeting of the black man.
103. Why does Pearl think the minister holds his hand over his heart? How is there symbolic
truth in what she says? That when the minister signed the Black Man’s book, that is where he set
his mark. It is where his mark of the letter A is.
Chapter 17: “The Pastor and His Parishioner”
104. How has Dimmesdale’s secret sin affected his life? Use a quote to support your answers
and cite the page number. It has made him feel horrible. “None! Nothing but despair!”(180)
105. What is Dimmesdale’s “secret poison his malignity, infecting all air about him?” His sin.
106. From what does Hester hope to save Dimmesdale by telling him the truth about
Chillingworth? She hopes to save him from possibly dying, or at least to save him from his
lecherous treason.
107. Does Hester still love Dimmesdale? Use a quote to support your answer. Cite a page
number. “Arthur, forgive me!” She still loves him, and asks for forgiving from her sin.
108. What is Dimmesdale’s reaction to the truth? He says that he knew it, and that he cannot
forgive her.
109. What future plans does Hester suggest to Dimmesdale as a way to escape Chillingworth? They
plan to take a boat to England.
Chapter 18: “A Flood of Sunshine”
110. What is Dimmesdale’s decision in response to Hester’s plea that they leave the colony?
Cite a quote and page number to support your answer
111. Why is the chapter called, “A Flood of Sunshine?”
112. What does Hester do that symbolizes putting the past behind them?.
113. What is the sunshine a symbol of?
114. When Hester throws down her scarlet letter, the transfiguration foreshadowed Chapter 13
occurs, and Hester’s beauty returns. What is the “magic touch” that effects the
transformation?
115. Near the end of this chapter, the forest creatures are naturally drawn to Pearl and
recognize her as “a kindred wildness.” How do you account for this wildness in Pearl ?
Chapter 19: “The Child at the Brookside ”
116. What does Dimmesdale mean when he says, “Oh, Hester, what a thought is that, and how
terrible to dread it ! that my own features were part repeated in her face, and so
strikingly that the world might see them!”
117. Why is Pearl upset when her mother calls her?
118. What is Pearl ’s reaction to Dimmesdale? How is Pearl a symbol for Hester and
Dimmesdale?
Chapter 20: “The Minister in a Maze”
119. Where have Hester and Dimmesdale decided to go when they leave Boston ? Why do they
choose to go to Europe rather than remain in the New World ?
120. How does it happen that Hester is acquainted with the captain of the ship now in the
harbor?
121. Why does Dimmesdale consider it fortunate that the ship is not to sail for 4 days?
122. When Mistress Hibbens offers to introduce Dimmesdale to “yonder potentate you wot of,”
to whom is she referring?
Chapters 21 “The New England Holiday ,” and Chapter 22 “The Procession”
123. What have the crowds of people gathered in the market-place to witness?
124. Of what ceremony in England was the Election Day pageantry a pale imitation?
125. What piece of unwelcome news does the master of the ship on which, she, Pearl , and
Dimmesdale are to sail have for Hester?
126. What is particularly noticeable about Dimmesdale’s manner as he walks in the procession?
127. Where does Hester stand during the procession and during Dimmesdale’s sermon in the
church?
Chapter 23 “The Revelation of the Scarlet Letter” and Chapter 24 “Conclusion”
128. How does Dimmesdale appear as he leaves the church after his triumphant sermon?
129. How does Pearl react when Dimmesdale calls Hester and herself to mount the scaffold
with him?
130. Where, according to Chillingworth, is the one place where Dimmesdale could have
successfully escaped him?
131. What were some of the conjectures made by parishioners as to the origin of the minister’s
scarlet letter?
132. What explanation for the events of Election Day is made by the minister’s friends to make
him seem blameless?
133. Dimmesdale enters the church energetically and upright to give his sermon; he leaves it
stooped and tottering. How would you account for each of these quite different ways he
carried himself? What might we assume has happened to him during the course of the
sermon?
134. Explain why Chillingworth desperately tries to stop Dimmesdale from confessing his sins
on the scaffold?
135. What do you think Dimmesdale means when he describes his and Hester’s sin as violating
“our reverence for each other’s soul?”