The Scarlet Letter Final (All Questions)

What does Hester's letter "A" eventually come to represent to the townspeople?

"Able"

Why is Chillingworth sometimes referred to by townspeople as a "leech"?

"Leech" was a common slang for physicians at that time.

How do Hester and Dimmesdale plan to escape their suffering?

By boarding a ship to Europe

How does Pearl acknowledge Dimmesdale as her father at his death?

By kissing him

"Why dost thou smile so at me? Art thou like the Black Man that haunts the forest round about us? Hast thou enticed me into a bond that will prove the ruin of my soul?"

Hester Prynne

Wears a scarlet letter on his/her chest. Is very helpful to those in need and is a talented seamstress. Dies old and alone, but is buried next to his/her lover. The protagonist of this novel.

Hester Prynne

In the final chapter of the book, what two emotions does the narrator suggest are closely linked?

Love and hate

Dimmesdale's public confession and death have what effect on the townspeople?

They idolize him even more.

What year was The Scarlet Letter published?

1850

What does Chillingworth pretend to be?

A Doctor

What natural phenomenon comes to symbolize both Dimmesdale's "sin" and Governor Winthrop's "virtue"?

A Meteor

What item of clothing does Hester make for Governor Winthrop?

A Pair of Gloves

What is situated immediately outside the door of the prison in which Hester is kept?

A Rosebush

What mark can supposedly be seen on Dimmesdale's chest?

A Scarlet Letter "A"

What item in the governor's mansion shows Hester a distorted reflection of herself?

A Suit of Armor

Why does the narrator lose his job in the customhouse?

A new Customhouse President, who is of a different party than the narrator, is elected.

What color of clothing does Hester always wear?

Black/Grey

In what city do Hester and Pearl live?

Boston

Where do Hester and Chillingworth live before coming to America?

Amsterdam

"Is not this better, than what we dreamed of in the forest?"

Arthur Dimmesdale

"May God forgive thee! Thou, too, hast deeply sinned!"

Arthur Dimmesdale

Is admired by all of the townspeople for being morally sound. Inflicts physical pain on himself/herself due to feeling guilty. Is meant to be a "tragic figure" in this novel.

Arthur Dimmesdale

How does Hester support herself financially?

As a Seamstress

Which character can be best described as the novel's antagonist?

Chillingworth

Like the narrator of the story, the author worked in a...?

Custom House

What is the occupation of the narrator of this story?

Customs Officer

Next to whom is Hester buried?

Dimmesdale

What event finally allows Pearl to realize her full humanity?

Dimmesdale's public recognition of her

This novel is an example of "dark romantics" and is considered what kind of literature?

Gothic

Wants to take Pearl away from Hester. Is easily persuaded by Dimmesdale. His/Her house was visited by Hester and Pearl

Governor Bellingham

Where does the narrator first encounter Hester Prynne's story?

He finds a manuscript in the attic of the Salem Custom-House.

Why does the narrator decide to write about the scarlet letter?

He is interested in American history.

"Thou shalt forgive me! Let God punish! Thou shalt forgive!"

Hester Prynne

Why does Pearl not recognize her mother when she sees her with Dimmesdale in the forest?

Hester has removed the scarlet letter.

Dimmesdale's name is likely intended to suggest what about his character?

His inner weakness

What motivates Chillingworth to remain in Boston?

His lust for revenge

Where do Hester and Pearl live?

In an abandoned cottage on the outskirts of Boston

Sister of Governor Bellingham.

Mistress Hibbins

What describes Pearl in comparison to other children?

More perceptive

Who is the author of The Scarlet Letter?

Nathaniel Hawthorne

With whom has Chillingworth been living before he appears in Boston?

Native Americans

What most likely characterizes Hester in her youth?

Passionate and impulsive

Born from an act of adultery. Is frequently referred to as impish/elfish. Is often described in an almost magical way. Threw a temper tantrum and refused to cross the brook.

Pearl

Which character provides the harshest judgment of Dimmesdale's hypocrisy?

Pearl

The author of this novel was the first American...?

Professional Writer

"Better had he died at once! Never did mortal suffer what this man has suffered. And all, all, in the sight of his worst enemy! He has been conscious of me. He has felt an influence dwelling always upon him like a curse."

Roger Chillingworth

"Hadst thou sought the whole earth over, there was no one place so secret, —no high place nor lowly place, where thou couldst have escaped me, --save on this very scaffold!"

Roger Chillingworth

Uses a fake name to hide his/her true identity. Is often referred to as a "Leech." Has a physical deformity and is old.

Roger Chillingworth

The author of this novel drew inspiration from an ancestor involved in the...?

Salem Witch Trial

Which of the following is a method Dimmesdale uses to punish himself for his sins?

Scourging or whipping & fasting

How does Pearl become wealthy?

She inherits Chillingworth's estate and marries a nobleman.

How does Mistress Hibbins eventually die?

She is executed publicly as a witch.

Married to Nathaniel Hawthorne

Sophia Peabody

What do the Native Americans think Hester's letter means when they see her on Election Day?

That she is a person of importance

In what century is the story of Hester Prynne set?

The 17th Century

Who do the townspeople speculate is Pearl's real father?

The Devil

Who is Mistress Hibbins?

The Governor's Sister

What can Chillingworth's death can best be attributed to?

The loss of an object for his revenge

Why is Hester upset when Chillingworth tells her the town is considering letting her remove the scarlet letter?

This would be another way in which society exerts power over her identity.

"Ah, but, let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will be always in her heart."

Woman in the Crowd

The mood of this novel is...?

somber and dark