What theories are given about the Scarlet Letter imprinted in the ministers flesh?
1) Dimmsdale put in there himself2) Chillingsworth medicines caused the A to emerge3)Gods mark of sin
Why does Hawthorne leave the origin of Dimmsdales mark ambiguous?
It leaves the reader thinking about why dimmsdale had done it."we have thrown all the light we could acquire upon the portent and could gladly now that is done its office."
What happens to Chillingworth? What does he give pearl?
Chillingworth dies and leaves a small fortune to pearl.
What becomes of pearl?
It is believed that she is married a rich man and has a family.We assume she is happy.
Why do you suppose Hester returns to Salem?What might be Hawthorne's point about sin, repentance, and redemption?
She may feel a need to complete her repentance at the sight of the sin in order to gain redemption.
Why would Hawthorne allow the story to end with Hester and Dimmsdale being together so ignominiously?
To remind us that while Hawthorne does feel pity for Hester, the sin they committed was still wrong and they still had to be punished.
Conjecture
Deduced by surmise; based on guess work
Portent
A sign or warning that something momentous will happen.
Bequeath
Hand down transmit; Pass down.
Penitence
Action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance
Sable
A marten with short tail and dark brown fur
Necromancer
Wizard or magician.
Nugatory
Of little of no consequence.
Recluse
Person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people.
Escutcheon
A shield bearing a coat of arms.
Gules
Red.
