What contrast does the narrator point out between Hester's and Dimmesdale's ability to leave town?
Hester, through all her punishments, seems to have been waiting for a chance to flee and no one will question it. People will question why Dimmesdale leaves.
Why does Dimmesdale decide to leave with Hester?
He wants to leave with Hester and Pearl so they can live as a family.
What is significant about the title of the chapter?
It goes back to the symbol of sunshine.
Hester has finally admitted to Dimmesdale being the father so she is once more able to be in the sunlight.
How does Hawthorne reinforce his idea that nature is sympathetic with the union of Hester and Dimmesdale?
It is dark until they reunite, then we see the sunlight.
Why would children dislike Dimmesdale?
Children are the most perceptive in the novel so they would not like Dimmesdale for not being honest with himself.
How does Pearl look as she is approaching Dimmesdale and Hester in the woods?
She looks hieroglyphic because of her looks and presence
Does Hester put the letter back on?
Yes
Pearl wants Dimmesdale to walk out of the forest with them. Does he? What does he do before he leaves
No.
He kisses Pearl's forehead
What does Pearl do after Dimmesdale kisses her forehead?
she tries to wash it off
What are Hester's plans for their departure? (how many days until she books, where?)
she has made plans with a captain of a ship and is going to book the trip to Bristol, England in three days.
How does Dimmesdale feels after he walks out of the woods?
He is full of strength, energy, and is no longer frail.
What are the 5 ways that Dimmesdale is tempted on the way back to his house?
1. He cannot remember scripture. 2. can barely withhold talking of blasphemous eucharist with a deacon.
3. tempted to talk to a young women (take away her purity with one look). 4. sees children and wants to teach them swear words. 5.
sees sailors and wants to participate with them
Who accuses him of making a deal with the devil?
Mistress Hibbins
What is the New England Holiday in chapter 21?
the inauguration of the governor.
What are the 3 groups of people described at the New England Holiday?
Indians, puritans, and sailors
How are the Indians dressed for this occasion? How are their attitudes?
They have wampum belts, spears, and deerskin clothing. They are somber looking
How are the Puritans dressed for this occasion?
They are in grey, black and brown (usual attire). Their Sunday best
How are the sailors dressed? What do they do that shocks the Puritans (in public)
They are rough looking, sun blackened faces, immense beards. They are smoking and drinking
What is going on in the crowd while the people are gathered waiting for the procession?
wrestling matches, and sword play
Who is talking to the captain? (of the ship that Hester was going to use) How does Hester feel about this?
Roger Chillingworth. She is startled because Roger is coming with them
What are the 4 segments to the procession?
Band, military members, civic leaders, and Arthur Dimmesdale
How does Arthur feel in the procession?
He is very lively, with energy in his gait, and very spirited (no hand over heart)
Why is Hester ticked off at Arthur?
He seems very remote because he is ignoring her in the crowd.
Who appears again in the crowd and talks to Hester? What does this woman say to Hester?
It is Mistress Hibbins and she says that she knows that Arthur Dimmesdale is hiding something and that they have been into the forest.
What message does the seaman tell Pearl to bring to Hester?
That Roger is bringing Arthur onto the ship with him
What is again the center of attention for others?
the letter on Hester, because some people have heard rumors of it, but not actually seen it
The title of the 23 chapter is The Revelation of the Scarlet Letter. What makes this ending the most poignant in American literature?
It transcends through the ages and is applicable to all people
Why is this the pinnacle of Dimmesdale's career?
It is his best sermon ever, he speaks with eminence and people revere him even more
After his sermon how does Dimmesdale feel?
He is so weak he can barely walk, very frail
What/Where does Arthur do/go after his sermon?
Dimmesdale goes up to Hester and Pearl before the pillory and asks them to come up with him
Who intervenes to stop Dimmesdale from going on the pillory with Hester and Pearl? What does he say?
Roger says that he does not want Arthur to perish in his dishonor
Once they are on the pillory or going up, what does Arthur say to Hester?
Is this not better than what we dreamed of in the forest?
What is the moral of Dimmesdale confessing?
Love cannot be true unless you are honest
What does Dimmesdale do on the pillory?
Makes a public confession (he is sorry that Hester had to wear it alone). He rips his vestment
What does Pearl do to Dimmesdale after he falls? (on the pillory)
She kisses him
Hester wonders if they will live forever? What does Dimmesdale say?
Only God knows in all of his mercy
What happens to Dimmesdale in the end? What do people think they saw on his chest?
He dies, a scarlet letter
What is the overreaching theme of the book?
always be true/honest
What happens to Roger at the end of the novel? Who does he give his estate and money to?
He withers after Dimmesdale dies, because his sole purpose in life is gone, his revenge is pointless. Pearl
What happens to Pearl at the end of the novel?
She becomes the richest woman in the New World, is very eligible, probably has children
What happens to Pearl and Hester at the end of the novel?
They leave immediately.
What happens to Hester at the end of the novel? Why does she return? What does she do as a job when she returns?
She returns to the town, with the letter, and is respected.
She returns as a self-imposed penance. She becomes a guidance counselor for women with issues of the heart.
Where is Hester buried once she dies? What is on the tombstone?
She is buried with Dimmesdale, they share a tombstone. The Scarlet Letter (A)
