| Study Guide Questions (chapters 1-6)
Chapter 1
1. Describe the title of the first chapter and story’s setting.
2. Since Hawthorne has described a prison, a cemetery, ugly weeds and a wild
rosebush, what do you think the story will be about?
3. Based on this chapter what do you expect the mood of the novel will be
and why?
4. Who is Anne Hutchinson? Look up information About her life.
Chapter 2
1. What is Hester’s sin?
2. What is the public view, expressed by women outside the prison, of
Hester’s sin?
3. By including the comments of the women, what do you think Hawthorne is
suggesting about this society?
4. What is Hester’s punishment?
Chapter 3
1. As she stands on the scaffold, who appears in the crowd and what is
Hester’s reaction?
2. Where has Chillingworth been? What motion does he make to Hester and why?
3. Who is Dimmesdale?
4. What appeal does Dimmesdale use to convince Hester to reveal the baby’s
father? Do you agree with him?
5. What is Hester’s attitude toward both her sin and her punishment?
6. One way Hester endures her punishment is by dreaming of her past. What
does the reader learn of Hester’s past by this flashback?
Chapter 4
1. Why does Hester fear Chillingworth?
2. What is Chillingworth’s attitude toward Hester? Explain.
3. What does Chillingworth intend to do? Why?
4. What does Chillingworth ask Hester to promise? Why does she agree to
this?
5. Hester says to Chillingworth, “Thy acts like mercy,…But thy words
interpret thee as a terror!” What does she mean? What has Chillingworth
said that gives her that impression?
6. What descriptive details does Hawthorne give the reader about
Chillingworth that reinforce the image of him as someone to be feared?
7. What is implied in Chillingworth’s last line, “No, not thine”?
Chapter 5
1. In this chapter the narrator summarizes months of Hester’s life.
Describe Hester’s life. How does she earn a living” How is she treated?
2. Give two reasons why Hester decides to remain in Boston when she could
have easily moved to a less restrictive colony?
3. Explain Hester’s reaction to the insults she receives.
4. How has Hester changed?
5. Explain the significance of the position of Hester’s home.
6. In your opinion, why do people allow Hester to sew for them?
Chapter 6
1. Describe Pearl.
2. How does Hawthorne say Pearl’s “uncontrollable” behavior can be explained?
3. As Hawthorne puts it, explain the ambiguity concerning Pearl.
4. Why does Hester ask Pearl, “Art thou my child?”
5. According to Hawthorne, what purpose does Pearl have in respect to
Hester’s destiny?
6. How is an actual pearl created in nature? How is Pearl’s name symbolic?
Chapter 7
1. Why does Hester go to the governor’s house?
2. How is Pearl dressed, and what is her dress compared to?
3. How does the incident with the breastplate further develop the
symbolism?
Chapter 8
1. Consider the descriptions of the governor’s house. What is Hawthorne
suggesting about the governor?
2. How do the magistrates react to Pearl? Why?
3. How does Hester behave towards the magistrate? Why?
4. Why is Hester able to keep Pearl? What are the arguments that convince
the magistrates?
5. A) What is Pearl’s response when asked by the governor, Who made thee,
child?”
B) What prompts Pearl’s answer? What symbolism is developed here?
6. What happens at the end of the chapter that illustrates the minister’s
point?
7. Describe how Dimmesdale has changed.
8. Describe how Chillingworth has changed.
9. What twofold role does Reverend Dimmesdale say Pearl plays?
Chapter 9
1. Hawthorne uses the “either/or” device as an explanation of the minister’s
health. Give both explanations.
2. A) Why does Dimmesdale reject the offer of help?
B) What finally persuades him to accept the offer?
3. Explain the title of this chapter, “The Leech.” What is the twofold
meaning?
4. Describe Chillingworth’s method of approaching an illness that he is to
treat.
5. Describe the relationship between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth.
6. Although some people in the community feel that God has sent
Chillingworth to heal their minister, other people have a different view.
Explain the second view and the basis for this idea of Chillingworth.
7. Give an interpretation for the last and the next to the last paragraph in
this
chapter.
Chapter 10
1. What action of Dimmesdale’s suggests that he is hiding something on his
chest?
2. How do the black flowers initiate a discussion on “hidden sins”?
3. What explanation, perhaps rationalization, does Dimmesdale offer for not
confessing and thereby revealing a hidden sin?
4. In this context, what does Chillingworth mean when he mutters, “A strange
sympathy betwixt soul and body! Were it only for the art’s sake I must
search
this matter to the bottom!”?
5. A) What does Chillingworth do while Dimmesdale sleeps? Symbolically,
what has Chillingworth done to Dimmesdale?
B) What do you think Chillingworth sees in/on Dimmesdale?
C) Describe Chillingworth’s reaction to what he sees. Why do you think
he reacts this way? What is Hawthorne suggesting about him?
Chapter 11
1. Explain the narrator’s statement, “He [Chillingworth] became not a
spectator only, but a chief actor, in the poor minister’s interior world.”
2. What makes Dimmesdale such a good minister?
3. What is ironic about Dimmesdale’s public assertions of his guilt?
4. Explain the ways Dimmesdale tortures himself and is responsible for his
own suffering.
5. A) In what way are both Chillingworth and Dimmesdale to be pitied?
B) Whom do you pity most? Why?
6. What is Hawthorne suggesting about the effects of sin?
Chapter 12
1. The second scaffold scene in the book occurs here. Critics consider this
part as, “Hawthorne at his best.” Why is Dimmesdale on the scaffold? Why
does he climb the scaffold at night? What do we learn is the source of his
chest pain?
2. According to critics, Hawthorne, as an artist of the psychological, has
Dimmesdale express his subconscious feelings. Describe what Hawthorne
has Dimmesdale do that suggests his subconscious mind.
3. Why are there so many of the other characters walking around so late at
night?
4. How does Dimmesdale feel as he holds Pearl’s hand? Why?
5. Why does Pearl pull away from Dimmesdale?
6. Describe the two seemingly supernatural occurrences. What effect do
they have?
7. How is the symbolism of the letter “A” continued?
8. How does Dimmesdale behave the next day?
Chapter 13
(This chapter, which follows the dramatic intensity of the previous one, is
in the form of a summary by the narrator. Pearl is now seven years old.)
1. What is the reader told about Hester’s position in the community?
2. How is the letter being interpreted?
3. How does Hester compare to her partner in sin?
4. Why, according to the narrator, has her natural beauty diminished? What
could bring it back?
5. What question does Hawthorne raise about love and Hester?
6. In what way is Hester an emancipated feminist?
7. Explain: “It is remarkable, that persons who speculate the most boldly
often conform with the most perfect quietude to the external regulations of
society. The thought suffices them…”
8. Has the scarlet letter done to Hester what the Puritans wanted it to?
Explain the irony.
9. In the last page of the chapter, which returns to the plot, what does
Hester
resolve to do? Why?
Chapter 14
1. In what way does Chillingworth look like the devil? Why?
2. Why does Chillingworth think he has a double reason for punishing
Dimmesdale?
3. What pleas of Hester’s arouse sympathy and admiration in Chillingworth?
4. What does Hester ask of Chillingworth? What is his response?
5. Do you think Hawthorne meant for the reader to see Chillingworth as “the
devil”? Explain.
Chapter 15
1. After Hester leaves Chillingworth, the narrator follows Hester’s
thoughts. How does she feel about Chillingworth? Explain.
2. The narrator asks, “Had seven long years, under the torture of the
scarlet letter, inflicted so much of misery, and wrought out no
repentance?” In your opinion, has Hester repented her sin?
3. What has Pearl been doing? How does this show that she is like her
mother?
4. How does Pearl answer her mother’s questions as to why she wears the
letter?
5. When Pearl repeatedly asks her mother about the meaning of the “A,” why,
in your opinion, doesn’t Hester confide in Pearl?
Chapter 16
1. A) Why has Hester taken Pearl and gone into the forest? How does she
feel?
B) How does the atmosphere in the forest reflect her mood?
2. As Hester and Pearl walk into the forest, Hawthorne develops many of his
images. Explain the following:
sunlight and darkness
the pathway
the mark of the “Black Man”
the sorrow of the brook
3. In what way does Hester acknowledge her sin to Pearl?
Chapter 17
1. How does Hawthorne reinforce his theme of hidden sin once again?
2. Describe Dimmesdale’s reaction when Hester forces herself to tell him
who Chillingworth is.
3. A) Why does Dimmesdale forgive Hester?
B) According to Dimmesdale, who is the one worse than “the polluted
priest”? Why?
4. What “new horror” occurs to Dimmesdale?
5. Explain Hester’s statement to Dimmesdale, “Wilt thou die for very
weakness?”
6. A) What does Hester give Dimmesdale?
B) What is suggested in the last two lines?
Chapter 18
1. What contrast does the narrator point out between Hester and Dimmisdale?
2. Why does Dimmesdale “resolve to flee, and not alone”?
3. A) Describe the “exhilarating effect” of this decision on Hester and
Dimmesdale.
B) How does Hawthorne use symbolism to reinforce this effect?
4. How does Hawthorne reinforce his idea that “Nature,…never subjugated by
human law,” was in sympathy with the union of Hester and Dimmesdale?
5. What idea is suggested by Pearl’s slow approach and Dimmesdale’s fear of
Pearl?
Chapter 19
1. Why does Pear “burst into a fit of passion” when she stands across the
brook from her mother?
2. How has Hawthorne used the symbol of the scarlet letter again?
3. How does Pearl react to her mother’s assertion that Dimmesdale loves them?
4. How does Pearl behave toward the minister? How can this be explained?
Chapter 20
1. Describe the minister’s wicked impulses as he returns to town.
2. On a psychological level, what is Hawthorne suggesting about
Dimmesdale’s subconscious mind?
3. What does Dimmesdale wonder?
4. Do you think Dimmesdale has committed a “deadly sin” by planning to
escape with
Hester?
Chapter 21
1. In this chapter Hawthorne makes frequent mention of the colors gray,
black (sable), and brown. What is he suggesting with his emphasis on those
colors?
2. What bad news does Hester learn from the ship captain?
3. In addition to providing more information, what other purpose does this
chapter serve?
4. How does Pearl’s comment on the bahavior of Reverend Dimmesdale further
point out the light / darkness contrast?
5. What do the darkness and the light symbolize?
Chapter 22
1. Explain three things that depress Hester in this chapter.
2. What is different about Dimmesdale?
3. Again, what does Pearl want from Dimmesdale?
4. Why does Hawthorne end this chapter with the remarks, “The sainted
minister in the church! The woman of the scarlet letter in the market-place!”
Chapter 23
1. When this chapter opens, why does Dimmesdale stand “on the very proudest
eminence of superiority . . .”? (How has he moved his people?)
2. As Dimmesdale leaves the church and approaches Hester, what does he do?
3. What is Chillingworth’s reaction? Explain Chillingworth’s statement, “[t]
here was no one place . . . thou couldst have escaped me; save on this very
scaffold!”
4. What does Hester answer when Dimmesdale says, “Is not this better…than
what we dreamed of in the forest?”
5. What is Dimmesdale’s most dramatic revelation to “the people of New
England”?
6. What does Dimmesdale ask Pearl? What effect does this have on Pearl?
7. How do you explain Dimmesdale’s parting words to Hester?
Chapter 24
1. What theories does Hawthorne offer the reader about the scarlet letter
imprinted in the minister’s flesh?
2. A) What happens to Chillingworth?
B) What does he give Pearl?
3. What, as far as the narrator knows, becomes of Pearl?
4. Finally, explain Hawthorne’s conclusion for Hester.
THE END
***************************************************************************
Period 3 quiz questions ch 18-24
Amanda
Chapter 18- A Flood of Sunshine
Q: What change has been brought out from Hester and what does she do to her
scarlet letter?
A: She is once again happy and she feels more beautiful and then she does
away with the scarlet letter which she later pins back on.
Chapter 19- The Child at the Brookside
Q: Why does Pearl run to the edge of the brook to wash her face off?
A: She wants to wash away the kiss of Dimmesdale for he will not walk into
town hand in hand with them
Chapter 20- The Minister in the Maze
Q: What does Dimmesdale feel to the things that were once familiar?
A: He find that these things seem strange to him.
Chapter 21- The New England Holiday
Q: What conflict has erupted before their journey to England?
A: They have found out that a doctor is needed aboard the ship and
that Chillingworth will be joining them.
Chapter 22- The Procession
Q: What does Pearl again wish from Dimmesdale and what might happen to
Mistress Hibbins?
A: Pearl wants Dimmesdale to hold her hand and Mistress Hibbins will be
executed for witchcraft.
Chapter 23- The Revelation of the Scarlet Letter
Q: What happens to Dimmesdale after he delivers his sermon?
A: He mounts the scaffold with Hester and shows his breast where he
then, dies.
Chapter 24- Conclusion
Q: What becomes of Chillingworth and what symbol does Hester and Dimmesdale
share upon their headstone?
A: Chillingworth dies and leaves Pearl and inheritance and the scarlet
letter ‘A’ is what is shared on the headstone.
Christina
18. Name the speaker. “Do I feel joy again! Methought the germ of it was dead
in me! O Hester, thou art my better angel! I seem to have flung myself—sick,
sin-stained, and sorrow blackened—down upon these forest leaves, and to have
risen up all made anew, and with new powers to glorify Him that hath been
merciful!”
• Answer: Dimmesdale
19. Who is being discussed? “Dost thou not think her beautiful? And see with
what natural skill she has made those simple flowers adorn her!”
• A) Hester
• B) Pearl **
• C) Mistress Hobbins
• D) The angel that watches over Dimmesdale
20. What “last temptation” does Dimmesdale overcome?
• A) Getting it on with Hester
• B) Seducing the virgin girl who showed up at the church**
• C) Eating a cookie before dinner
• D) Stealing the cloak from Hester
21. What did Hester wear on the day the Governor was to receive office?
• A) An itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, yellow polka dot bikini
• B) A bright yellow dress with gold trim
• C) A bland, grey tunic, that made Hester appear sickly**
• D) Nothing
22. Why didn’t Pearl run up to Dimmesdale and hug him when she saw him in the
marketplace?
• He was wearing a scary mask and she was frightened
• He was with another woman
• She didn’t recognize him**
• He was snogging a cute waitress
23. When Dimmesdale reveals his secret and asks Hester if this is better than
what they had dreamed of in the forest, what does she reply?
• A) “I know not! I know not!” **
• B) “Of course, LOADS better!”
• C) “No, you suck and I hate you.”
• D) “Kiss me, you fool!”
24. Who says “thou hast escaped me twice!”
• A) Joseph of Aramatheia
• B) Chinggis Khan
• C) Chillingworth**
• D) The Red Baron
H K
18) What does Hester do that makes the sunlight shine down on her?
19) After Dimmesdale kisses Pearl on the forehead, what does she do?
A. Kisses him back
B. Washes it off in the brook.
C. Sits on her mothers lap
D. Goes with Mistress Hibbins to learn to fly.
20) After returning home after his encounter with Hester in the forest, why
does Dimmesdale tell Chillingsworth that he will not need any more of the
physicians drugs?
21) Why does the town gather at the marketplace?
A. A new boat load of chickens had arrived
B. Pearl is flying with Mistress Hibbins
C. To celebrate the new governor
D. Hester Prynne is getting punished again
22) What is the message that Pearl receives from the ship’s master?
23) What is the last thing that Pearl does to Dimmesdale before he dies on
the scaffold?
A. Kicks him for not being a good father
B. Finally gives him a kiss
C. Bites him
D. Tells him that bunnies will one day take over the world
24) What does Chillingsworth leave Pearl on his deathbed?
Kaitlin
Chapt. 18:
Q: What symbolism showed Nature’s sympathy with the union of Hester and
Dimmesdale?
A: The brook suddenly seemed merry; the sun broke through the forest and onto
the two lovers.
Chapt. 19:
Q: What is Pearl pointing at when she has her tantrum?
A: The spot where Hester used to have the Scarlet Letter.
Chapt. 20:
Q: What does Dimmesdale think right before he meets Old Mistress Hibbins?
A: The devil had taken in him with a contract.
Chapt. 21:
Q: What does Hester find out from the ship captain?
A; Chillingworth is coming on the voyage too.
Chapt. 22:
Q: Why does Pearl want a kiss from Dimmesdale?
A; So that she would be acknowledged by him in public.
Chapt. 23:
Q: What did Pearl kissing Dimmesdale do for her?
A: Ensured she would be a normal woman; her duty as the messenger of anguish
was fulfilled.
Chapt. 24:
Q: What did Dimmesdale teach the people in Boston?
A: Everyone is a sinner, even the most admired of them.
Katie
Ch. 18
What happens to Hester after she takes the Scarlet Letter off?
She takes her hair down and the light shines on her.
Ch. 19
Why does Pearl have a fit when she is across the stream from Hester and
Dimmesdale?’
The Scarlet Letter is not on Hester, and she is so used to it being on her
mother.
Ch. 20
What does Dimmesdale feel like doing to everyone he encounters on his way
home from the forest?
He wants to yell at them.
Ch. 21
Why is Chillingworth smirking at Hester through the crowd at the end of this
chapter?
a) he saw them in the forest
b) he killed Dimmesdale
c) he is joining them on the ship
d) he put a “kick me” sign on Pearl’s back
Ch. 22
What does Pearl want from Dimmesdale?
She wants Dimmesdale to kiss her, like he did in the forest.
Ch. 23
What happens to Pearl when she is standing on the scaffold with her mother
and Dimmesdale?
Pearl cries for Dimmesdale.
Ch. 24
What does Chillingworth give Pearl when he dies?
a) money
b) his land
c) pearls
d) paint
Maggie
18) Why does the minister suddenly feel much better?
A) He has eaten.
B) He has made a decision to leave with Hester.
C) Pearl has accepted him as her father.
D) A bunny hopped by.
19) Pearl won’t come to Hester until she…
A) Offers her a treat.
B) Lets the bunny she caught go free.
C) Makes the minister leave.
D) Puts her hair back up and pins the scarlet letter back on.
20) What has changed in the town?
A) The minister’s outlook on it.
B) The placement of the weathercocks.
C) The age of the townsfolk.
D) Bunnies have taken over.
21) What is different about the seamen?
A) They wear pirate-like clothes.
B) They wear bunny slippers.
C) They don’t seem to be subject to the same rules.
D) Both A and D
22) Of what does Mistress Hibbins accuse Dimmesdale and Hester?
A) Committing adultery.
B) Being affiliated with the devil.
C) Eating bunny stew.
D) Dancing with wolves.
23) What does the minister do when he leaves the church?
A) Celebrates his fame with his pet bunnies.
B) Immediately runs off with Hester and Pearl.
C) Casts off Hester and Pearl and disappears for years.
D) Goes up on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl to reveal his secret.
24) What happened to Pearl, as far as we know?
A) She grew up happy in her inheritance and got married.
B) She stayed with her mother until she died.
C) She moved to France to live with her collection of pet bunnies.
D) She lived with the Indians for several years, and then became an
advice giver.
Paulo
Ch 17
What does Dimmesdale and Hester plan to do ?
Escape on a ship to Europe
Ch 18
What does Hester do after she takes off her Scarlet Letter?
A) Lets down her hair
B) Lays down
C) Prays to God
D) Runs around hysterically
Ch 19
Why didn’t Pearl cross the brook?
She doesn’t cross the brook because Hester took off her letter.
Ch 20
What does Dimmesdale feel like doing to every person he meets near the church?
He wants to yell at them.
Ch 21
Who is joining the three on the “Escape Ship”?
A) Chillingsworth
B) The new governor
C) A local peasant
D) The other priest
Ch 22
What do many people notice about Dimmesdale?
That he looks much healthier and energetic.
Ch 23
Why does Dimmesdale confess?
A) He confessed because God told him to
B) Because he was threatened
C) Because he wanted attention
D0 Because Hester told him to
Ch 24
The scarlet letter stopped being a representation of sin and scorn and was
looked upon with…
A) Awe and Reverence
B) Beauty
C) Holiness
D) Boredom
Rachel Scarlet Letter Questions
1- When Hester and Pearl walk into the woods, waiting for dimmesdale to
arrive, what does pearl believe is hidden in the forest?
a- the black man
b- mistress hibbins
c – a rabbit named cinnamon
d – treasure
2- What does the seaweed letter that pearl creates on the beach reflect?
That pearl is a very perceptive child and although she cannot understand
why her mother is being shunned, she is intuitive and probes and presses for
answers.
3- What does the constant repetition of light and dark help to convey?
The gothic theme of the novel – the ideas of good and evil. The strict
moral structure of the society is also reflected, they are very austere and
do not merely fall into a ‘gray’ category.
4- What is the motto that is stated at the end of chapter 23, and what does
it signify?
a- “On a field, sable, the letter A gules”
b- “The letter marks thy unworthy soul”
c- “Within the depths of repentance, Hester thus learned a valuable
lesson”
d – “the scaffold marks the turns of hearts”
5- What does Hester ask Dimmesdale before he dies?
If they will see eachother in the afterlife – if they will meet in
immortal life
6 – What does Dimmesdale ask of Pearl before he dies?
To bestow upon him a kiss.
7- What does Miss Hibbins claim Pearls father to be?
A – The prince of the air
B- the prince of fire
C – a frog in a pond
D - the letter B
Steph Scarlet Letter Questions:
Ch. 18: How is Hester’s transformation symbolized when she casts off the
Scarlet Letter?
a. The beauty and bloom comes back to her cheeks.
b. She is flushed with love and youth
c. All of the above
d. None of the above
Ch. 19: Why does Pearl wash off Dimmesdale’s kiss?
a. She is afraid of germs.
b. She doesn’t want to taint him with her sin.
c. She doesn’t know him.
d. She is angry because he hypocritically refuses to acknowledge her in
public.
Ch. 20: On the walk home, Dimmesdale is overcome by the sudden urge to…..
a. Curse in front of little children.
b. Give out alms to charity
c. Start drinking
d. Get married
Ch. 21: Hester’s plans are foiled when……
a. Dimmesdale backs out of the trip
b. Pearl gets sick
c. Hester’s mother dies
d. Chillingworth books a passage on the same ship
Ch. 22: Mistress Hibbins, the governor’s sister is widely regarded as what?
Ch. 23: After Dimmesdale delivers his speech and acknowledges his sin…
a. He falls dead to the scaffold
b. Pearl kisses him
c. Both a and b
d. Chillingworth kills him
Ch. 24: What happens to Pearl?
a. She lives with Hester in the cottage for the rest of her life
b. She dies of Scarlet Fever at the age of eighteen.
c. She marries and moves to Virginia.
d. She returns to England and marries into the nobility.
Zen Chapter 18.
After Hester takes off her Scarlet Letter, what does she do?
a. Throws it towards the woods
b. Dances
c. Jumps around
d. Hugs Pearl.
Chapter 19
Pearl has a fit after Hester throws away the letter. Why?
She says she does not recognize Hester anymore
Chapter 20
At the Church Dimmesdale does what to every person?
a. Greets them
b. Prays for them
c. Yells at them
d. Kills them
Chapter 21
What is the name of the ship Chillingsworth joins?
a. Bon Voyage
b. The Escape Ship
c. Death to the Sailors
d. Ye Old Mighty
Chapter 22
Dimmesdale now?
A. Looks healthier
b. Looks Sick
C. Looks goofy
D. looks annoyed
Chapter 23
Dimmesdale does what to the town?
Confesses everything
Chapter 24
When does Chillingsworth die?
A. Five years after Dimmesdale dies
B. Ten years after Dimmesdale dies
C. Never
D. One year after Dimmesdale dies
****************************************************************************
Period 4 quiz questions ch 18-24
Alysha
Chapter 18
What does Hester feel when she takes off her Scarlet Letter and lets down her
hair?
- Hester feels free, and as if a burden had been lifted from her
shoulders, it is like she let go of a physical reminder of her sin.
Chapter 19
Why wouldn’t Pearl come to her mother in the forest?
- Pearl would not come to her mother in the forest because her
mother was not wearing the Scarlet Letter and Pearl had never seen her mother
without it.
Chapter 20
Where do Hester and Dimmsdale decide to run away too, and how?
- They plan to go to Europe and take a ship there.
Chapter 21
Who got themselves onto Hester and Dimmsdale’s ship and how?
- Chillingsworth got himself onto their ship by talking to the crew and
convincing them they would need a doctor for the journey.
Chapter 22
Why did Dimmsdale’s new attitude sadden Hester and make her double think her
decision?
- Hester sees him suddenly happy and wonders if she made the right
decision to runaway with him because he did not seem to be the same person
that she was with in the forest a couple days back.
Chapter 23
Why does Pearl finally kiss Dimmsdale?
- Pearl finally kisses him because she sees the true Dimmsdale when he
stands on the scaffold with her and Hester.
Chapter 24
Where is Hester buried?
- Hester is buried in the Kings courtyard next to Dimmsdale sharing
the same head plate but with a distance between them showing that they should
not of been together.
Ashley N
Ch.18
Q: How does Hester react when Dimmesdale agrees too move to Europe with her
and Pearl?
A: She becomes excited, lets her hair down and removes her Scarlet Letter.
Ch.19
Q: How does Pearl react towards Dimmesdale when Hester calls her over?
A: Pearl is wary of Dimmesdale and does not recognize her mother because she
has removed her scarlet letter.
Ch.20
Q: What does Mistress Hibbins say or suggest about Dimmesdale?
A: She suggests that he sees or has some kind of connection with the black
man in the forest.
Ch.21
Q: What does Pearl ask Hester about Dimmesdale?
A: She asks if he will acknowledge Hester and herself in public.
Ch. 22
Q: How does Dimmesdale appear this chapter?
A: He appears to have more strength and is healed of what ever sickness he
allegedly had.
Ch. 23
Q: How does the minister die?
A: He dies while standing on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl and after he
confesses to the public what he has done and reveals his scarlet letter.
Ch.24
Q: How is Hester buried?
A: She is buried in the same place as Dimmesdale but not to close.
Ashley P
Chapter XVIII
How does Hester feel compared to Arthur about leaving Boston?
Hester is excited about leaving Boston while Arthur whoms’ life has
been governed by the Puritan Code is not.
Chapter XIX
How does Pearl react when she sees her mother with her hair down and her
scarlet letter no longer on her bosom?
She goes into a shrieking fit of rage.
Chapter XX
How does Arthur feel as he is walking through town after his meeting with
Hester?
He feels impulses to do wicked things to people whom he usually helps.
Chapter XXI
Whom does Pearl refer to when she says this “A strange sad man is he, with
his hand always over his heart?”
Arthur Dimsdale
Chapter XXII
Why does Hester’s spirits sink after Pearl tells her what the Captain said?
She is depressed both by the news and the growing circle of people
who surround her staring at her scarlet mark
Bob
Chapter 18: What was Pearl’s reaction when she sees Dimmesdale in the forest
with Hester?
Her reaction is that she is bothered by this and she wonders about the man
Dimmesdale really is.
Chapter 19: What does Pearl do when Dimmesdale kisses her?
She goes to wash the kiss off of her face in the brook.
Chapter 20: Describe Dimmesdale’s health when he returns from the forest from
his meeting with Hester and Pearl.
He is rejuvenated and starts to feel how he used to before the affair.
Chapter 21: What is the holiday that the Puritans are celebrating?
The holiday they are celebrating is Election Day.
Chapter 22: Describe Dimmesdale’s appearance before and after his election
day sermon.
He was strong and healthy before, but after he became weak and feeble again.
Chapter 23: Why was it important that Hester help Dimmesdale upon the
scaffold?
It is important because she was his only source of strength.
Chapter 24: What happens to Pearl later on in life?
She moves away, gets married, and has children of her own.
Bria
Ch 18
Q: What did Pearl gather in the forest?
1. different shaped leaves
2. berries
3. flowers
4. 2 and 3
5. 1 and 2
6. none of the above
A: choice 4
Ch19
Q: Under what conditions does Pearl finally cross the brook?
A: Pearl crosses the brook when her mother puts her hair back into a bun,
puts her bonnet back on, and reattaches the scarlet letter to her bosom.
Ch 20
Q: Which person was not part of Reverend Dimmesdale’s 3 temptations?
1. the deacon
2. Mistress Hibbins
3. the eldest lady of the church
4. the youngest sister of the church
A: choice 2
Ch 21
Q: In what way does Chillingworth secure his future presence over Dimmesdale
and Hester?
A: Chillingworth gets a spot on the Spanish ship with Dimmesdale and Hester
that is leaving the New World.
Ch 22
Q: In what order do the following pass Hester in the parade through town;
Reverend Dimmesdale, the music, the magistrates, the soldiers?
A: The Music comes first, then the soldiers, the magistrates, and lastly
Reverend Dimmesdale.
Ch 23
Q: What does Dimmesdale finally reveal to the public?
A: Dimmesdale reveals that he was the man that had an affair with Hester and
that Pearl is his child.
Ch 24
Q: Who does Chillingworth leave his property to when he dies?
A: Pearl
Caitlyn
Chapter 18
What is symbolic about Hester letting her hair down?
Freedom
Chapter 19
Why is Pearl upset at her mom?
Hester took the scarlet letter off her chest ad she let her hair down
Chapter 20
Where does Hester and Dimmesdale plan to escape to?
Europe
Chapter 21
Who will be coming aboard the ship with Hester and Dimmesdale?
Chillingworth
Chapter 22
Why is Hester upset on Election Day?
Dimmesdale ignores her and he doesn’t even give her a glace
Chapter 23
Who does Dimmesdale ask or a kiss from?
Pearl
Chapter 24
Who became the richest heiress of her day, in the new world?
Pearl
Christina
Muller
Chapter 18:
Q: What did Pearl adorn her hair and waste with to make here appear a nymph-
child?
A: She decorated herself with various flowers and plants; violets, anemones,
columbines, and some twigs.
Chapter 19:
Q: What does Hester have to do to get Pearl to cross the brook?
A: She has to pin back the scarlet letter and become her old self again.
Chapter 20:
Q: Why do Hester and Dimmsdale decide to go to Europe?
A: Europe offers more anonymity and the environment is better for Dimmsdale’s
health.
Chapter 21:
Q: Who joins Hester on the ship to Europe and why?
A: Chillingworth, because the ship needed a doctor on it.
Chapter 22:
Q: What does Mistress Hibbins say to Hester about Dimmsdale?
A: She refers to The minister’s mark and declares it’ll soon be revealed to
all.
CF
Chapter 18
Where does Hester throw her Scarlet Letter?
Answer: By the brook
Chapter 19
Why does Pearl refuse to cross the river to get to her mother?
1)She is afraid of the water
2)She does not see her mother wearing the Scarlet Letter
3)She wants to keep playing
4)She sees Hester with Dimmesdale and panics
Answer: 2
Chapter 20
What was Dimmesdale observing before Chillingworth arrives?
1)His scars
2)An animal
3)His sermon
4)His home
Answer: 3
Chapter 21
True or False: Hester overhears about Chillingworth’s journey on their ship
from a gossiping old lady.
Answer: False
Chapter 22
Who does Mistress Hibbins claim is Pearl’s father?
Answer: The Black Man or the Devil
Chapter 23
Who said “Thanks be to him who hath led me hither!”
Answer: Dimmesdale
Chapter 24
Where is Hester buried?
1)King’s Chapel
2)By her cottage
3)In the woods
4)Her body is cremated
Answer: 1
Derek
18) True or False? Pearl approaches Hester and Dimmesdale slowly because
there was a wolf near them. (false)
19) Pearl did not come to Hester because…
a-She wasn’t wearing the scarlet letter
b-Chillingworth cast a spell on her
c-She was going insane (a)
20) Why did Dimmesdale think he sold himself to the devil?
(because Mistress Hibbins wanted to help him)
21) How did Chillingworth gain passage on the boat with Hester and Dimmesdale?
(He said he was a physician and he was with Hester and Dimmesdale)
22) What sermon did Dimmesdale deliver?
a-Easter Mass
b-Anti-heathen speech
c-Election Sermon (c)
23) True or False? Dimmesale died because he had no will to live.
(true)
24)What was the scarlet letter on Dimmesdale’s chest?
a-A result of self-torture
b-The result of Chillingworth’s magic and drugs
c-A visible manifestation of his remorse
d-A tattoo
e-Not D (e)
Eric I
1) What did Hester make Dimmesdale promise?
a) He would eat his vegetables.
b) Nothing
c) He would love Pearl.
d) He would kill Chillingworth.
2) How did the animals symbolize Pearl’s purity and innocence?
a) They happily approached her when she was walking through the woods.
b) Nothing
c) They ate her.
d) They put a grass crown on her head and began to worship her.
3) What did Dimmesdale do to his unfinished sermon?
a) He finished it.
b) He ate it.
c) He burned it.
d) Nothing
4) Who is the ship’s new passenger?
a) Nothing
b) Chillingworth
c) A rat
d) A sailor
5) What did the military music mean?
a) The magistrates were arriving.
b) Hester died.
c) Nothing
d) The people caught a witch.
6) How did Dimmesdale escape Chillingworth?
a) He ran away across the sea with Hester.
b) He died on the scaffold.
c) He killed him.
d) Nothing
7) What did Chillingworth leave Pearl when he died?
a) A plague on both your houses!
b) Money
c) Nothing
d) His liver
Geof B
18. “The past is gone! Wherefore should we linger upon it now? See! With
this symbol, I undo it all, and make it as it had never been!” Who said this?
A. Pearl
B. Chillingworth
C. Hester
D. The Black Man
19. “Bring it hither!” What is Hester referring to?
A. Dimmesdale’s body
B. The Scarlet Letter
C. The Holy Grail
D. A shiny rock
20. “It may be that my remedies, so long administered in vain, begin now to
take due effect.” Who said this?
A. Hester
B. God
C. Pearl
D. Chillingworth
21. Who does Hester find out is going to accompany the three of them to
England?
A. Chillingworth
B. Mistress Hibbins
C. Governor Bellingham
D. Stephen Colbert
22. “Mistress Hibbins says my father is the Prince of the Air!” Who said
this?
A. Pearl
B. Moses
C. Mistress Hibbins
D. Elliott Lant
23. “Thou hast escaped me!” Who said this?
A. Chillingworth
B. The Hunter
C. The Hunter is not a character in this book.
D. The answer is A.
24. True or False: Hester dies in England.
A. True
B. False
C. This statement is an opinion, not a fact.
D. It goes against my religious views to answer.
Gordon
What does Hester do with the scarlet letter?
a) Throws it to the ground
b) Explains its true meaning to Pearl
c) Nothing
d) Embroiders it
2) What is Dimmesdale’s first name?
a) Gordon
b) Paul
c) Arthur
d) Matthew
3) Who of the following offers to show Dimmesdale into the forest the
next time he goes?
a) Pearl
b) Mistress Hibbins
c) Chillingsworth
d) Hester
4) Who is not planning to go on the ship to Europe?
a) Mistress Hibbins
b) Pearl
c) Dimmesdale
d) Chillingsworth
5) Who is going to be executed?
a) Mistress Hibbins
b) Dimmesdale
c) Chillingsworth
d) Hester
6) Who kisses Dimmesdale?
a) Hester
b) Mistress Hibbins
c) God
d) Pearl
7) Who share a headstone?
a) Pearl and Hester
b) Pearl and Dimmesdale
c) Dimmesdale and Hester
d) Chillingsworth and Hester
Jed
Chapter 18
Q: Who says “Wilt thou yet forgive me?”
A. Hester
B. Dimmesdale
C. Pearl
D. A bunny
Ans. A
Chapter 19
Q: Why does Pearl refuse to come to Hester?
Ans. Hester is not wearing her Scarlet Letter
Chapter 20
Q: Why does Mistress Hibbins talk to the Rev. Dimmesdale?
Ans. She knows he went to the forest
Chapter 21:
Q: Who is also going to take a trip on the ship?
A. Mistress Hibbins
B. The Governor
C. Roger Chillingsworth
Ans. C
Chapter 22:
Q: What is Pearl referring to when she says, “What is it, good Mistress
HIbbins? Hast thou seen it?”
Ans. The black man
Chapter 23:
Q: What does Pearl give the Minister?
Ans. A kiss
Chapter 24:
Q: What does Robert Chillingsworth give Pearl?
Ans. Property in England and the Colonies
Joseph Napoli
Chapters 18- What does Hester throwing the scarlet letter symbolize? – It
shows that she is soon to be free of the burden it puts on her.
Chapter 19- Why does Pearl refuse to go to Hester when she is not wearing the
scarlet letter?- Pearl doesn’t recognize Hester without the scarlet letter,
since she grew up with it.
Chapter 20- Why does Dimmsdale write a new sermon and throw away the old
one? – He has changed since he decided to run away with Hester.
Chapter 21- Why does the public gather at the marketplace?- It is election
day.
Chapter 22- Who is going to be executed as a witch in the future? – Mistress
Hibbins
Chapter 23- What is the reaction of the townspeople to Dimmsdale’s sermon? –
They say that it was his best and most powerful sermon ever.
Chapter 24- Why is Hester and Dimmsdale’s grave not very close together? – So
it isn’t suggested that they are doing anything else other then resting.
Joshua Stokes
1) In Chapter 18, which character says: “Thou must know Pearl.”
A-Hester B-Dimmesdale C-Pearl D-Old Lady in the Crowd
2) In Chapter 19, which character says: “Foolish child, what a question is
that! Come and ask his blessing!”
A- Dimmesdale B-Hester C-Pearl D-Chillingworth
3) In Chapter 20, why does Minister Dimmesdale applaud the delay in his
departure for the “Old World?”
A-He wants to give the election speech B-He needs to feed his bunnies C-
He plans to burn the town D-He must sell his property
4) In Chapter 21, which character says: “he remembers thee a little babe, my
child?”
A-Pearl B-Dimmesdale C-Man in the Crowd D-Hester
5) In Chapter 22, which character says: “Mother, is that the same minister
that kissed me by the brook?”
A-Pearl B-Dimmesdale C-Justin R. D-Pearl
6) In Chapter 23, which character says: “Hester, come hither! Come, my little
Pearl!”
A-Dimmesdale B-Hester C-Pearl D-Chillingworth
7) In Chapter 24, were there rumors circulating the town as to the origin of
Dimmesdale’s Scarlet Letter?
A-Yes B-No C-Who is that? D-He was sin-free and had no Scarlet Letter
Justin
1. What is the significance of the sunlight touching Hester?
She is finally liberated from her sin
2. Why is Pearl incessantly pointing at her mothers chest
The Scarlet letter that pearl is used to seeing is no longer
there
3. Who said: “A good man’s prayers are golden recompense”
a) Roger Chillingsworth
b) Dimmesdale
c) Al Sharpton
d) Maurice White (of Earth, Wind, and Fire)
4. On what date was the inauguration of Lord Mayo
a) December 21
b) November 9
c) Big Bang Day
d) Godon’s birthday
5. What do you call a high crested Spanish helmet?
a) uno helmito
b) a morion
c) Melissa Theuriau
d) That thing that Spanish guy has on his head
6. Who says “shall we not spend our immortal life together?”
a) Hester
b) Dimmesdale
c) Maurice White
d) Jack White
7. Who was outside hesters house when she returned?
a) A Group Of Children
b) The mayor
c) Jack Black
d) The Grim reaper
Krystie
CHAPTER 18!!!~!~~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!
After Hester and Dimmesdale converse about sailing away, what does Hester Do
to herself?
Answer- She Takes Off her “A” and lets her hair down
Chapter 19! ~!~!~!~!~!
Hester Wants Pearl to Approach her in the forest. In Order For This to Happen
She:
a) Gets Bunnies to kidnap her whilst running through the town with an AK-
47 and bring her to the forest.
b) Asks Dimmesdale to ask Pearl to Go
c) Replaces Her “A” Again
d) Leaves A Post-It Note
Answer- C.
Chapter 20! ~~!~!~!~!~!!
Where Do Hester and Dimmesdale Plan To escape To?
Answer- Europe
Chapter 21! ~!!~!~!~!
Who Sneaks Onto The Boat?
Answer: Chillingsworth
Chapter 22!
True Or False:
Mistress Higgins Believes Pearl’s Father Is Satan.
Answer - true.
Chapter 23! ~!~!~!
True or False:
Dimmesdale asks for a kiss from Pearl.
Answer- True.
Chapter 24
True or False:
Hester’s Headstone has an “A” On It
Kyle E
Chapter 18
Who did Pearl see when she heard her mother’s voice in the forest?
A. Hester
B. Dimmesdale
C. Chillingworth
D. The Devil
Chapter 19
What did Pearl see in the brook?
Answer: her image
Chapter 20
Where did Hester plan to go with Dimmesdale and Pearl?
A. The Scaffold
B. Latin America
C. Europe
D. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Chapter 21
In the time period of the story, what did Election Day signify?
Answer: the beginning of the year’s legislature
Chapter 22
Which pair of people are in the Council of the Sovereign?
A. Bellingham and Bradstreet
B. Chillingworth and Dimmesdale
C. Endicott and Hester
D. Fidel Castro and Captain Smith
Chapter 23
Who does Dimmesdale bring with him on the scaffold?
Answer: Hester and Pearl
Chapter 24
Where is the land that Pearl inherits from Chillingworth?
Answer: New England and England
Kyle M
18) Hester letting her hair down is symbolic for ______________.
A) Freedom
19) Pearl will not come across the brook until Hester ____________.
A) Pins the scarlet letter back on.
20) When Dimmesdale returns from the forest he tells Chillingworth that he
has no more need of __________________.
A) The physician’s drugs.
21) Hester finds out that _____________ will be accompanying them on their
trip back to Europe.
A) Chillingsworth
22) Mistress Hibbins suggests that the __________ is Pearls real father.
A) Devil
23) Upon the scaffold, Dimmesdale reveals ________________.
A) His own letter upon his breast.
24) Chillingsworth _________ within a year of the ministers death.
A) Dies.
Lara
Chapter 18:
Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale have plans to run away to Europe and live as a
family. True or False?
True
Chapter 19:
Pearl will not come to Hester until she places the Scarlet Letter
back on her chest. True or False?
True
Chapter 20:
Dimmesdale continues to see Chillingworth and use his medicine after
Hester reveals his true identity. True or False?
False
Chapter 21:
During a gathering in the market place a sailor reveals to Hester
that Chillingworth will be joining them to Europe. True or False?
True
Chapter 22:
“We must not always talk in the market-place of what happens to us in
the forest.” Identify the Speaker.
Hester
Chapter 23:
Dimmesdale climbs up on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl, and
declares his sin to the crowd. True or False?
True
Chapter 24:
After Chillingworth dies and Pearl collects a great inheritance,
Pearl and Hester disappear. True or False?
True
Lauren C
Chapter 18: What happens to Hester after they have talked about their plan to
sail away?
Answer: She rips off her scarlet letter, lets down her hair, and gains beauty.
Chapter 19: What does Hester do so Pearl will approach her in the jungle?
Answer: Hester puts her scarlet letter back on her chest and looks upset and
less beautiful again.
Chapter 20: True or False: Dimmesdale changes when he returns from meeting
with Hester in the jungle?
Answer: True
Chapter 21: True or False: Chillingworth finds a way to get on Hester’s ship?
Answer: True
Chapter 22: Who does Mistress Hibbins say Pearl’s father is?
Answer: The Devil
Chapter 23: True or False: Chillingworth dies right before Dimmesdale?
Answer: False
Chapter 24: Describe Hester’s headstone.
Answer: There’s an ‘A’ on it with a black background.
Monse’s Questions on Chapters 18 - 24
Ch. 18
What two things has Hester done because of the joy she feels?
Answer: Hester lets her hair down and removes the scarlet letter.
Ch.19
Why will Pearl not cross the brook and go back to her mother?
Answer: Pearl does not recognize her mother without the scarlet letter pinned
to her chest.
Ch. 20
Why does Dimmesdale ignore the young woman who passes him on his way
to town?
Answer: He is bursting with happiness and fears he will blurt out his news of
escaping to Europe with Hester.
Ch. 21
What does Hester find out about her voyage on the ship to Europe with
Dimmesdale?
Answer: That Chillingsworth will be accompanying the voyagers leaving to
Europe on the same ship that Hester and Dimmesdale are leaving on, serving as
a physician onboard.
Ch. 22
Who does Mistress Hibbins suggest is Pearl’s father?
Answer: the devil
Ch. 23
What does Dimmesdale reveal to the public?
Answer: The truth about his affair with Hester and his “mark” on his chest.
Ch.24
What does Chillingsworth leave for Pearl after his death?
Answer: a large inheritance
Thomas
18. How long had Hester worn the scarlet letter?
A. Eternity
B. 3 Years
C. 7 Years
D. 21 Years
19. Where does Hester throw away the letter?
A. Forest
B. Desert
C. Heaven
D. Bog
20. Why do Hester and Arthur Dimmesdale decide to go to Europe?
A. It is good for Arthur’s health
B. The Patriots are not good that year
C. They can hide and live together with Pearl
D. Both A and C
21. Who will go with Arthur and Hester to Europe?
A. Chillingsworth
B. The eagle symbolized their need for journey
C. Governor Bellingham
D. Mistress Hibbons
22. Who says “Wilt thou ride with me, some fine night, to see my father?”
A. Dimmesdale
B. Chillingsworth
C. Your Mother
D. Mistress Hibbons
23. Which does Dimmesdale do?
A. Runs away
B. Runs for governor
C. Kills Grendel with his bare hands
D. Die
24. Where does Hester die?
A. England
B. France
C. New France
D. New England
Veronica
Chp.18
Why does Hester meet with the Minister?
1. To tell him that she does not love him anymore
2. To tell him that she was running away with Chillingsworth
3. To tell him that Chillingsworth used to be her husband.
4. To sew him a new pair of gloves
Chp. 19
Why is Pearl reluctant to join her mother and Dimmesdale in the forest?
1. Hester’s hair is down.
2. Hester is not wearing the scarlet letter.
3. Hester is making fun of her daughter
4. Hester is not wearing the scarlet letter and her hair is down
Chp. 20
How is Dimmesdale different when he returns from the forest?
1. His face is dark and he feels the urge to do evil things.
2. He is now holding Hester’s and Pearl’s hands
3. He is skipping
4. He looks sad and looks to be very sick
Chp. 21
Who has found out about Hester’s and Dimmesdale’s plans to flee to Boston?
1. Mistress Hibbins
2. The towns people
3. The Black Man
4. Chillingsworth
Chp. 22
As the Minister walks in the parade, what is said to be different about him?
1. He looks stronger and in better health.
2. He is wearing a scarlet letter.
3. He is holding a bunny.
4. He looks weary and tired.
Chp. 23
How has Dimmesdale escaped Chillingswoth?
1. By fleeing to Boston with Hester.
2. By killing him
3. By mounting the scaffold.
4. By running away
Chp. 24
What does Chillingsworth give Pearl?
1. A bunny
2. money
3. land
4. a house
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