Scarlet Letter Study Guide: Chapters 1-5

These flashcards cover key concepts, characters, and themes from Chapters 1-5 of Nathaniel Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter, including key events, settings, and character traits.

Who is the author of Scarlet Letter?

Nathaniel Hawthorne.

What is the setting of Scarlet Letter?

Boston, Massachusetts.

What significant structure is described in the first chapter?

A prison door.

For what two purposes is land set aside in the Scarlet Letter?

To build a prison and a cemetery.

What is the one thing that has been kept alive outside the prison?

The rosebush.

What is the tone of Chapter One?

Serious, somber, gloomy.

What are Hester’s emblems of shame?

A red A.

Why is Hester being punished?

For adultery.

Who made the letter that Hester is required to wear?

Hester made the letter herself.

What letter must Hester wear?

The letter A.

What does the color red symbolize in the Scarlet Letter?

Passion.

How do the town gossips feel about Hester’s punishment?

They think it is weak/light and that it should have been death.

Does Hester cower before the townspeople?

No.

Where was Hester born?

A village in 'Old England'.

Who does Hester marry?

Hester married an older man with an 'off' shoulder.

What physical characteristic helps Hester identify the stranger in the crowd?

Half civilized/half savage clothing, small stature, and a physical deformity.

What do the two clergymen ask Hester to reveal?

The father of her child.

What does the phrase 'He shall be known!' mean?

He will figure out who the father of Hester's child is.

What is Hester’s reaction to the stranger?

She’s terrified.

How does the crowd react to Dimmesdale?

They feel sorry for Dimmesdale.

How does Hester seem to treat her child?

She doesn't realize her child is crying and isn't really taking care of her.

Where is Hester led to after her punishment?

Back to the jail.

Who is waiting for Hester when she returns to jail?

Her husband, Roger Chillingworth, who is a doctor.

What does Hester fear her husband will do?

She fears he will kill her and her baby.

What kind of relationship did Hester and Chillingworth have?

She never loved him, but he married her anyway.

What secret does Chillingworth ask Hester to keep?

That he is her husband.

Why do you think Chillingworth asks Hester to keep their relationship a secret?

He may not want the shame associated with their marriage or has other ulterior motives.

Where do Hester and her child live?

In an abandoned cottage on the outskirts of town.

How does the town treat Hester?

They are judgmental and torment her with shame.

How does Hester make a living?

As a seamstress.

How does Hester dress herself?

Very plainly, in coarse material, with the exception of the fancy letter A.

How does Hester dress her child?

In well-made, fancy clothing.

What does Hester’s daughter symbolize?

She symbolizes the sin represented by the letter A.

What point about hypocrisy is Hawthorne making in Chapter Five?

Hester is constantly judged by people who are supposed to be 'good.'