The Scarlett Letter
Q: When was The Scarlet Letter published, and when is the story set?
A: Published in 1850, set in the 1600s.
Chapter 1: The Prison Door
Q: What two places are always part of every town?
A: A cemetery and a prison.
Q: What grows outside the prison door, and what does it symbolize?
A: A rosebush; it offers beauty and fragrance to prisoners, symbolizing hope and resilience.
Chapter 2: The Market Place
Q: Where do people gather to watch public punishments?
A: The marketplace.
Q: Who is most interested in Hester Prynne’s punishment, and how do they view it?
A: The women; they think her punishment is not harsh enough.
Q: What is Hester’s punishment?
A: She must wear the scarlet “A” on her chest.
Q: What alternative punishments do the women suggest for Hester?
A: Branding her forehead, death, or replacing the embroidered “A” with a rag.
Q: What important event takes place during this chapter?
A: The first scaffold scene.
Q: How does Hester try to use Pearl during the punishment?
A: As a shield to cover the “A,” though she realizes it is a mistake.
Q: To whom is Hester ironically compared?
A: The Virgin Mary.
Chapter 2 Continued
Q: While standing on the scaffold, what does Hester think about?
A: Her past — her happy childhood, her good family name but financial struggles, and moving from England to Amsterdam before Boston.
Q: What man from her past does Hester think about? Describe him.
A: An old, pale, thin, scholarly man, slightly deformed (left shoulder higher than the other).
Chapter 3: The Recognition
Q: Who does Hester recognize in the crowd while on the scaffold?
A: A man with one shoulder higher than the other — her husband.
Q: What does the stranger in the crowd say about the identity of Pearl’s father?
A: “He will be known.”
Q: What theme begins to emerge here?
A: Revenge.
Q: Who is Reverend Wilson, and what does he do?
A: An old and wise minister; delivers a long sermon about Hester’s sins.
Q: Who is Reverend Dimmesdale?
A: A young, highly respected minister, well educated, with engaging sermons.
Q: What is Dimmesdale’s message to Hester?
A: To share her secret so the sinner can be saved from shame.
Chapter 4: The Interview
Q: Who is Chillingworth, and what does he believe about himself and Hester?
A: Hester’s husband; he believes they both hurt each other — he stole her youth, and she had the affair.
Q: What does Chillingworth plan to do?
A: Keep his identity secret and uncover the identity of Pearl’s father.
Q: What does Hester think about Chillingworth?
A: She believes he is the devil.
Chapter 5:
Hester at Her Needle
Flashcards
Q: Why does Hester remain in Boston?
A: It is where she committed her sin, she wants to stay near Pearl’s father (though she barely admits it to herself), and she feels tied to the place.Q: Where does Hester live after her release?
A: In an isolated cottage on the outskirts of town.Q: How does Hester support herself and Pearl?
A: By doing needlework (sewing), which is always in demand.Q: What types of sewing jobs is Hester never hired for?
A: Making a wedding veil for a bride (due to her sin).Q: What kind of clothing does Hester wear compared to Pearl?
A: Hester wears plain, somber clothes; Pearl wears flamboyant dresses (Hester’s only indulgence).Q: How do the townspeople treat Hester’s needlework?
A: They accept and use it but still scorn her personally.Q: How does Hester become part of sermons?
A: Reverends use her as an example of sin during church services.Q: How do children treat Hester in the community?
A: They repeat their parents’ cruel phrases and insult her.Q: How do strangers react to Hester?
A: They stare at her and the scarlet letter.
Chapter 6:
Pearl
Flashcards
Q: What name does Hester give her daughter?
A: Pearl.Q: Why is Hester worried about Pearl?
A: She fears Pearl may be punishment for her sin and worries about her wild behavior.Q: How does Hester dress Pearl?
A: In elaborate, fancy clothing that makes Pearl look radiant.Q: How is Pearl described in the novel?
A: As beautiful, radiant, and with an almost supernatural or otherworldly quality.Q: How does Pearl differ from other children?
A: She is described as elfish, unique, and unlike others.Q: What does Pearl’s name symbolize?
A: Something valuable, obtained at great price (Hester’s suffering and sin).