Scar Le

When was The Scarlet Letter published, and when is the story set?

Published in 1850; set in the 1600s.

What two places are always part of every town?

A cemetery and a prison.

What grows outside the prison door, and what does it symbolize?

A rosebush; it symbolizes hope, resilience, and beauty amid suffering.

Where do people gather to watch public punishments?

The marketplace.

Who is most interested in Hester Prynne's punishment, and how do they view it?

The women; they think her punishment is not harsh enough.

What is Hester's punishment?

She must wear the scarlet letter "A" on her chest.

What alternative punishments do the women suggest for Hester?

Branding her forehead, death, or replacing the embroidered "A" with a rag.

What important event takes place during Chapter 2?

The first scaffold scene.

How does Hester try to use Pearl during the punishment?

She tries to use Pearl as a shield to cover the scarlet letter.

To whom is Hester ironically compared?

The Virgin Mary.

While standing on the scaffold, what does Hester think about?

Her past, including her childhood, family, financial struggles, and move from England to Amsterdam before Boston.

What man from her past does Hester think about? Describe him.

An old, pale, thin, scholarly man with one shoulder higher than the other.

Who does Hester recognize in the crowd while on the scaffold?

Her husband, the man with one shoulder higher than the other.

What does the stranger in the crowd say about the identity of Pearl's father?

"He will be known."

What theme begins to emerge in Chapter 3?

Revenge.

Who is Reverend Wilson, and what does he do?

An old, wise minister who delivers a sermon about Hester's sins.

Who is Reverend Dimmesdale?

A young, highly respected minister known for his education and powerful sermons.

What is Dimmesdale's message to Hester?

To reveal her secret so the sinner can be saved from shame.

Who is Chillingworth, and what does he believe about himself and Hester?

Hester's husband; he believes he stole her youth and she wronged him through her affair.

What does Chillingworth plan to do?

Keep his identity secret and discover Pearl's father's identity.

What does Hester think about Chillingworth?

She believes he is the devil.

Why does Hester remain in Boston?

It is where she committed her sin, she feels connected to Pearl's father, and she feels tied to the place.

Where does Hester live after her release?

In an isolated cottage on the outskirts of town.

How does Hester support herself and Pearl?

Through needlework and sewing.

What types of sewing jobs is Hester never hired for?

Making a wedding veil for a bride.

What kind of clothing does Hester wear compared to Pearl?

Hester wears plain clothing; Pearl wears elaborate and colorful dresses.

How do the townspeople treat Hester's needlework?

They admire and use it but continue to scorn Hester herself.

How does Hester become part of sermons?

Ministers use her as an example of sin.

How do children treat Hester in the community?

They mock and insult her using phrases they hear from adults.

How do strangers react to Hester?

They stare at her and the scarlet letter.

What name does Hester give her daughter?

Pearl.

Why is Hester worried about Pearl?

She fears Pearl may be a punishment for her sin and worries about her unusual behavior.

How does Hester dress Pearl?

In elaborate and fancy clothing.

How is Pearl described in the novel?

Beautiful, radiant, and almost supernatural.

How does Pearl differ from other children?

She is wild, elfish, unique, and unlike other children.

What does Pearl's name symbolize?

Something precious obtained at a great cost.