tsl reiew

In what century is the story of Hester Prynne set?

The seventeenth century

What does the prison door symbolize in Ch 1 of the Scarlet Letter?

Harsh Puritan mentality that separates Hester from the world.

What is the irony of the scaffold scene in which Hester is forced to stand on the scaffold w/Pearl as a baby?

Dimm. was questioning her about who the father is, but he is actually the father

What action is commonly made by Dimm throughout the novel?

placing his hand over his heart

What does Pearl notice on her mother, even as a baby?

The Scarlett Letter

According to The Scarlet Letter, new settlements must establish at the beginning of the colony a cemetery and a

prison

Where does the story take place?

A seventeenth century Boston colony

What one flower contracts with the somberness of the first scene?

the rose

What is described as "the black flower of civilized society"?

the prison

What is described as "a tale of human frailty and sorrow"?

the flower picked from the bush

What does the rose symbolize?

sweet moral bosom

What is the tone of this opening chapter?

somber

In one or two words describe "The Puritan Character.

solemn and severe

Who is Mistress Hibbins?

a widow from a former magistrate

Why is the minister distressed?

a misfortune has come upon his congregation

List five physical characteristics of Hester

Tall,Dark and abundant hair,A rich complexion,Had a marked brow,

Deep black eyes

Who is the stranger in town?

Roger Chillngworth

Why is he accompanied by an Indian?

he has been captured, the indians brought him there for selling

Why did Hester precede her husband in the New World?

her husband had to take care of affairs back home

Who is John Wilson?

the eldest clergy man of boston

List 2 qualities of Dimmesdale's preaching manor.

straight to the heart, simple

What is hinted about the scarlet letter as Hester returns to prison?

it glowed

How long must Hester stand on the scaffold?

three hours

Who is Master Brackett?

the jailer

true or false:

the Massechusetts magistrates show mercy in the sentence?

true

Who is the false doctor?

Roger Chillingworth

^ What does he vow to do?

find hester's lover

Why does Chillingworth take another name?

so that people will not know that he is Hester's husband

What does he make Hester promise?

to keep his identity a secret

Why does Hester hesitate about taking the medicine?

she thinks it might be poison

Where has Chillingworth recently learned secrets of folk medicine?

the Indians

What happened when Chillingworth touches the scarlet letter?

the letter burned Hester

who is the devil's messenger?

Chillingworth

Why is Pearl often called a precocious child?

she is very, very smart for her age

Why does Hester go to the governor's mansion?

to bring him a pair of gloves that he ordered

What is Hester's job?

she is a seamstress

How is Pearl dressed when she goes to visit the Governors mansion?

Red Tunic embroiled with gold thread

How does Pearl put to flight the taunting

children?

she stomped her foot and then ran at them

What "great lump of vegetables" is in the governor's garden that symbolize New England?

pumpkins

What magnifies the scarlet letter much to Pearl's devilish delight?

the breast plate of armor

Describe three features of the inside of the governor's home

large windows, oak furniture, stucco

Where do she and Pearl reside?

a small cottage on the outskirts of town

What one dress is Hester never asked to make?

wedding veils

In one or two words describe Hester's relationship to society.

shunned and isolated

What often happens to Hester in church?

she is the topic of the sermons

Why does Hester remain in the colony?

Pearl's father was there, she thought she must live with her consequence

How do strangers react to the looks of the scarlet letter?

all they do is stare

How does Hester react to the looks of strangers?

she is ashamed, sees it as a heal that will not wound

What legend arises about the scarlet letter?

that is glows at night and is more than just cloth

Why is Hester's needle work highly respected?

she has a great sense of style

Why does Hester name her daughter Pearl?

she was her one "pearl" and happiness left in life

Name two characteristics of Pearl.

energetic and graceful

What three men are with the governor in the garden?

Rev. Wilson, Dimmesdale, Chillingworth

Why is there talk of taking Pearl from Hester

People are afraid that Pearl is not growing up in the Christian way

How old is Pearl at this time of the Governer's Hall visit?

three

How has Dimmesdale changed physically since the early part of the story?

he is thin, troubled looking

How does Dimmesdale help Hester at the Governors Hall?

says Pearl should stay with her mother

What gestures of affection does Pearl make toward the minister?

she laid her cheek against his hand

How does Chillingworth propose the identity of Pearl's father be determined?

keep a close eye on Pearl and Hester

What does Mr. Wilson reply to Chillingworth's ides?

they must leave the mystery to God

Who tempts Hester as she leaves the mansion?

Mistress Hibbins

Roger Chillingworth's appearance and actions lead many people to believe to associate him with what symbolic force?

the devil

What is Hester's reply to Mistress Hibbins?

she must take care of pearl, will not join her in forest day

What are two signs of Dimmesdale's failing health?

he is thin and pale

In what capacity does Chillingworth associate himself with Dimmesdale?

he is Dimmesdale's medical advisor

Where does Chillingworth gather the "black weeds"?

the graveyard

What does Pearl call Chillingworth?

the black man

What does Chillingworth feel is the basis of Dimmesdale's illness?

unconfessed sin

What does Dimmesdale refuse to tell Chillingworth?

his secret

What does Pearl throw at Dimmesdale?

prickly burrs

Why are we not told what Chillingworth sees on Dimmesdale's chest while he is sleeping?

building up suspense

What is Chillingworth's plan of revenge?

to make Dimmesdale suffer

Cite two ways in which Dimmesdale punishes himself.

he fasts and whips himself

What is the minister unable to escape in his thoughts and sleepless nights?

his guilt

On what subject does he usually preach?

sin

What does Dimmesdale speculate about grass growing on his grave?

his gravesite will be cursed too

Explain the significance of the chapter's title "the interior of the Heart"

the pain within Dimmesdale's heart is revealed

Where does Dimmesdale walk on this chilly May night?

the scaffold

What does Dimmesdale do to expiate partially his guilt?

he screams

What two people come to windows at the governor's mansion?

the governor and mistress Hibbing

Where is the Rev. Mr. Wilson coming from when he walks by the scaffold?

the death chamber of governor Winthrop

What does Dimmesdale suddenly fear about the dawn?

that people will come out of their house and see him on the scaffold

What doe Dimmesdale ask of Hester and Pearl?

to stand there together

What are Hester and Pearl doing out this late at night?

coming back from Governor w's deathbed

What does Pearl want Dimmesdale to do during the following noon?

to stand there so the whole town can see

How is Chillingworth described as he stands near the scaffold?

he hides his face

What phenomenon lights up the sky?

a meteor

Who takes Dimmesdale home?

Chillingworth

Why does Pearl become angry with Dimmesdale?

he won't stand on the scaffold with her and Hester

What personal item of Dimmesdale's does the sexton find on the scaffold?

black glove

What portent does the sexton describe?

the devil brought the glove to the scaffold; claims Dimmesdale does not need the glove because he is so pure

According to the sexton of what is the meteor a sign of?

An A for angel

Who does Hester come upon in the woods?

Chillingworth

How does she propose to save the minister?

Hester decides to meet Chillingworth and discuss

Why has Hester become stronger in these seven years?

she has built strength from the A. She is independent