Scarlet Letter Chapters 7-12

What reasons did some of the townspeople have for wanting to take Pearl from Hester

If pearl is a demon child then she should be removed because she is bad for Hester's soul. If pearl isn't a demon child and capable of salvation then it's bad for pearl to be exposed to sinful Hester.

How did Pearl's appearance shock people on the day she and her mother went to visit the governor

She is in a scarlet dress with gold embroidery, so it's like pearl is a symbol of the scarlet letter

does governor bellingham's house seem to be in keeping with puritan simplicity?

no, because it is fancy, elaborate, and extravagant

what is rather bizarre about the armor

It reflects the scarlet letter and it blows up the scarlet letter because of the convex shape and makes Hester look like she is hiding behind it

What men do Hester and Pearl meet at the governor's

reverend dimmesdale, governor bellingham, roger chilling worth and mr wilson

What convinces the governor and Reverend Wilson that pearl should be taken from Hester

Pearl has pretended to forget all the things Hester taught her about Christianity. When asked who made thee, she replied with I was not made at all I was plucked from the rose bush that grew by the prison door

What does Hester tell the men in response to the governor and Reverend Wilson

She would rather dies than give up pearl

Who speaks in Hester's behalf? What defense does he make?

Reverend dimmesdale, the mother and child bond- Hester knows the child best, that god has brought her here to keep hester from plunging deeper into sin and keep her soul alive, and reminds Hester everyday of her crime.

How do Pearl and Dimmesdale react to one another? What do they do?

She reacts with fondness and tenderness, she grabs his hand and puts her cheek to it. He kissed her forehead.

Why was Roger Chillingworth a valuable addition to the town?

He is a very educated, gifted doctor and it was very rare for such a skilled doctor

What is happening to Dimmesdale at this point

His health is failing and people think it's because he is very dedicated to being a pastor

Rather than a physical ailment, what did chillingworth decide was the source of Dimmesdale's problems?

undisclosed guilt

What did some of the townspeople believe about Chillingworth

That he was Satan's messenger sent to test dimmesdale

What was mistress hibins caught doing?

Witchcraft

Summarize the conversation between chillingworth and dimmesdale about "secret sins"

Chillingworth feels you should confess your sins before dying. Dimmesdale says it's a matter between god and man and it a personal matter. Also that he will give up his sin on the day he dies. Also if he told his sin it would tarnish the reputation and wouldn't be able to do any good deeds.

How was chillingworth't orginal wish to see justice done changed?

It has become and obsession. His physical appearance gets worse and worse

What is chillingworth's explanation to dimmesdale about his illness? What is dimmesdale's reaction?

Its an illness of your soul and you should confess it. It's a spiritual problem rather than a physical problem. He is very angry and he runs out of the room

What do you think chillingworth saw when he looked under the sleeping dimmesdale's shirt

the letter A on his chest or a symbol that means something. The scarlet letter.

How is dimmesdale now at the mercy of chillingworth

Dimmesdale doesn't know chillingworths true identity or that he knows his secret. Chillingworth knows alot about dimmesdale, but dimmesdale knows nothing about chillingworth

How does dimmesdale's suffering make him more popular with his congregation

as he suffers more his sermons get better. He is able to sympathize with them more by professing to be a sinful man and he is an angel sent to them from god so there is hope for them

How does dimmesdale punish himself for his sin

He is whipping himself in his closet, he is fasting to the point he is making himself weak, and he keeps himself up all night and seeing visions of demons and his childhood

Where does dimmesdale go one night? Who joins him?

on the scaffold in the middle of the night when no one will see him. Pearl and Hester

What appears in the sky? What are the differing opinions about the meaning

a meteor, dimmesdale thinks the meaning is the scarlet letter (A), a symbol of his adultery and guilt. Others see the letter A too, but interpret it as it stands for an angel and governor Winthrop because he passed away that night

Who has been watching them

roger chillingworth- he doesn't hide an evil smile in his facial expression from dimmesdale

What was found on the scaffold and who was accused?

dimmesdales glove and must have been Satan took it and put it there

Why won't Pearl tell dimmesdale who chillingworth is

because dimmesdale wouldn't stand on the scaffold with her and Hester at noon tomorrow