Chapter 7:
25. For what two purposes does Hester go to Governor
Bellingham’s mansion?
The two purposes Hester goes to Governor Bellingham’s mansion
are to deliver gloves that she has sown for him, and to beg him that she may
keep Pearl, instead of having her taken away to a different, more Christian
family.
26. Describe Pearl’s dress and comment on its
significance.
Pearl’s dress is described by the narrator as a “crimson velvet
tunic”, and is stitched with gold thread. Her appearance is that of the scarlet
letter in another form.
27. Describe the construction and furnishing of Governor
Bellingham’s mansion. What does it reveal about Puritan
culture?
The construction and furnishing of Governor Bellingham’s mansion
is very large and made of wood. The narrator describes that the mansion is
clean, and the sun glimmers off the windows into the house, giving it a
welcoming look. This shows that the Puritan society believed in clean, joyful,
and welcoming houses.
Chapter 8:
29. What reason does the Governor give for taking Pearl from her
mother? How does he “examine” Pearl and for what purpose? How do Pearl’s
responses strengthen the elders’ biases against her and Hester?
The reason the Governor has for taking pearl from her mother is
because he doesn’t want her to turn out sinful like her mother. He examines
Pearl by asking her Christian’s questions she should know at her age to
strengthen his appeal. Pearl is unable to respond to who her Heavenly Father is
which strengthens the Governor’s biases against her and Hester.
30. What reason does Hester give for her need to keep Pearl? Who
supports her plea and why?
The reason Hester gives for needing to keep pearl is that God
sent Pearl to her as a gift. God has taken all she has and left her with Pearl.
She argues that she is the mother, and has those rights in which to raise her.
Reverend Dimmesdale supports Hester’s plea because he says that Hester is the
one who created Pearl.
31. How does pearl behave towards Dimmesdale in the garden?
While Pearl and Dimmesdale are in the garden, Pearl presses her
cheeks up against Mr. Dimmesdale’s hands, showing kindness and affection. It was
very unusual coming from Pearl to be so gentle with someone.
32. What is the purpose of the interaction with Hester and
Mistress Hibbens at the end of chapter 8?
As Hester is walking home with Pearl from the Governor’s
mansion, she is approached by Mistress Hibbins who is a witch that comes with
the Black Man. Mistress Hibbens approaches Hester, and asks for her soul; in
return Hester denies Hibbins’ offer. Hester argues that if the Governor would
have taken Pearl from her, she would have sold her soul to the devil because she
would have nothing to live for anymore, and that is the purpose of this scene.
Chapter 9:
33. How does Chillingworth make a place for himself in Boston
society? Why are we as readers suspicious of his professional and social
motivations? Why does this suspicion seem to be absent from the narrator’s tone?
Chillingworth makes a place for himself in the Boston society by
being a physician, something that rose awareness to him since it was an uncommon
profession there. We as readers are suspicious towards his professional and
social motivations because he is often creating potions and medicines for his
patient Mr. Dimmesdale who is hinted to be the man whom Hester has sinned with.
Roger has tried to kill Dimmesdale with some of his medicines. This suspicion is
absent from the narrator’s tone because if it were there everyone would know
Chillingworth is the husband, and is seeking revenge.
36. What biblical stories are portrayed in the decorations of
Dimmesdale’s room? What themes or issues are suggested by these
stories?
Reverend Dimmesdale has the biblical story of King David,
Bathseba, and Nathan the Prophet decorated into his room. In this story King
David seduces Bathseba into committing adultery with him, in which Nathan the
Prophet goes to kill King David for his sin. This decoration constantly reminds
Dimmesdale of the sin he has committed, adultery, and makes him realize the same
can happen to him that has happened to King David.
37. What two conflicting ideas did the townspeople hold about
Chillingworth?
The two opposing views that the townspeople see Chillingworth as
are that he has an enchanted power that allows him to cure many people from an
Indian black art, and that he is seen at the murder scene of Thomas Overbury
with the name of Doctor Forman.
Chapter 10:
39. What does Chillingworth suggest is the cause of Dimmesdale’s
“illness”?
Chillingworth suggests to Dimmesdale that the cause of his
“illness” is a sin in which he hasn’t confessed to. Chillingworth pretty much
knows what Dimmesdale has done; telling Dimmesdale it is his moral conscience
eating away at him.
42. What important discovery does Chillingworth make while
Dimmesdale is sleeping? How does the narrator describe Chillingworth’s joy and
why is this description meaningful?
Chillingworth makes a discovery that Dimmesdale is the father of
Pearl. Earlier in the novel, Chillingworth tells Hester he will find who the
father is by reading their heart, and while Dimmesdale was asleep Chillingworth
placed his hand over Dimmesdale’s heart. He realized that this is the reason for
Dimmesdale always placing his hand over his heart, so he can hide the fact. This
discovery gave Chillingworth joy that he has indeed found the adulterer, but is
shocked that it is a priest who committed the sin.
Chapter 11:
43. How and why does Chillingworth change his purpose in light
of his discussion?
Chillingworth changes his purpose from helping reverend
Dimmesdale to causing him as much pain as he possibly can. As Dimmesdale was
asleep, Chillingworth discovered that he is the father of Pearl, and pursues his
revenge on him.
44. How does Dimmesdale’s suffering affect his work as a
clergyman? What is the public reaction when Dimmesdale “confesses” his
sinfulness from the pulpit? Describe and analyze the narrator’s tone toward
Dimmesdale as he describes this confession.
Dimmesdale’s suffering affects his work because he uses his sin to preach his
sermons. He has become so ashamed of himself he uses himself as an example in the
sermons, and also confesses his sin. The public doesn’t take it as serious as he
tells them, and they think he is being polite. The narrator has a straight
forward tone, making Dimmesdale feel guilty.
45. Through what practices does Dimmesdale seek penance for his
sins? What is the narrator’s tone toward Dimmesdale as he relates these
practices?
Dimmesdale’s practices that he uses to seek penance are whipping
himself with a chain in his closet. He also fasts from eating for long periods
of time causing him to hallucinate and see people he knows. The narrator’s tone
toward Dimmesdale is not of remorse but almost a satisfaction.
Chapter 12:
46. Why does Dimmesdale go to stand on the
scaffold?
Dimmesdale goes to stand on the scaffold to imagine that he is
wearing a scarlet letter and going through a public humiliation as Hester. As
he is standing there he screams and wakes the Governor up, who goes to look out
to see what is going on.
47. Which two people come to their window when Dimmesdale
shrieks? What symbolism might be involved in the author’s choice of these two
characters?
Governor Bellingham and Reverend Wilson approach their windows
when they hear the shriek. The symbolism involved with these two characters
being the ones who come to their windows is that they will eventually figure out
Dimmesdale belong on the scaffold with people watching.
49. What question does Pearl ask Dimmesdale? What is his answer?
Why is this interaction significant?
While Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale are standing on the
scaffold, Pearl asks if Dimmesdale will stand on the scaffold with Hester and
herself the next day. Dimmesdale answers that he will eventually stand to be
judged with them, but it will not be tomorrow. He implies that he will stand
with them not on earth, but in front of God. This interaction is significant
because it lets the reader know that Pearl knows who her father is now.
50. What “sign” appears in the sky? How is it described? What
two interpretations are offered by which
characters?
The “sign” that appears in the sky is a meteor that lights up
the whole town as it passes. Dimmesdale believes that the meteor creates a
gigantic A in the sky. As Dimmesdale looks back down, he sees Pearl pointing
across the street to Roger Chillingworth. The sexton tells Dimmesdale the next
day that a giant A was seen in the sky, meaning “Angel” in commemoration of
Governor Winthrop’s death. The other interpretation of the meteor is by
Dimmesdale, and he feels that it is his scarlet letter A.
25. For what two purposes does Hester go to Governor
Bellingham’s mansion?
The two purposes Hester goes to Governor Bellingham’s mansion
are to deliver gloves that she has sown for him, and to beg him that she may
keep Pearl, instead of having her taken away to a different, more Christian
family.
26. Describe Pearl’s dress and comment on its
significance.
Pearl’s dress is described by the narrator as a “crimson velvet
tunic”, and is stitched with gold thread. Her appearance is that of the scarlet
letter in another form.
27. Describe the construction and furnishing of Governor
Bellingham’s mansion. What does it reveal about Puritan
culture?
The construction and furnishing of Governor Bellingham’s mansion
is very large and made of wood. The narrator describes that the mansion is
clean, and the sun glimmers off the windows into the house, giving it a
welcoming look. This shows that the Puritan society believed in clean, joyful,
and welcoming houses.
Chapter 8:
29. What reason does the Governor give for taking Pearl from her
mother? How does he “examine” Pearl and for what purpose? How do Pearl’s
responses strengthen the elders’ biases against her and Hester?
The reason the Governor has for taking pearl from her mother is
because he doesn’t want her to turn out sinful like her mother. He examines
Pearl by asking her Christian’s questions she should know at her age to
strengthen his appeal. Pearl is unable to respond to who her Heavenly Father is
which strengthens the Governor’s biases against her and Hester.
30. What reason does Hester give for her need to keep Pearl? Who
supports her plea and why?
The reason Hester gives for needing to keep pearl is that God
sent Pearl to her as a gift. God has taken all she has and left her with Pearl.
She argues that she is the mother, and has those rights in which to raise her.
Reverend Dimmesdale supports Hester’s plea because he says that Hester is the
one who created Pearl.
31. How does pearl behave towards Dimmesdale in the garden?
While Pearl and Dimmesdale are in the garden, Pearl presses her
cheeks up against Mr. Dimmesdale’s hands, showing kindness and affection. It was
very unusual coming from Pearl to be so gentle with someone.
32. What is the purpose of the interaction with Hester and
Mistress Hibbens at the end of chapter 8?
As Hester is walking home with Pearl from the Governor’s
mansion, she is approached by Mistress Hibbins who is a witch that comes with
the Black Man. Mistress Hibbens approaches Hester, and asks for her soul; in
return Hester denies Hibbins’ offer. Hester argues that if the Governor would
have taken Pearl from her, she would have sold her soul to the devil because she
would have nothing to live for anymore, and that is the purpose of this scene.
Chapter 9:
33. How does Chillingworth make a place for himself in Boston
society? Why are we as readers suspicious of his professional and social
motivations? Why does this suspicion seem to be absent from the narrator’s tone?
Chillingworth makes a place for himself in the Boston society by
being a physician, something that rose awareness to him since it was an uncommon
profession there. We as readers are suspicious towards his professional and
social motivations because he is often creating potions and medicines for his
patient Mr. Dimmesdale who is hinted to be the man whom Hester has sinned with.
Roger has tried to kill Dimmesdale with some of his medicines. This suspicion is
absent from the narrator’s tone because if it were there everyone would know
Chillingworth is the husband, and is seeking revenge.
36. What biblical stories are portrayed in the decorations of
Dimmesdale’s room? What themes or issues are suggested by these
stories?
Reverend Dimmesdale has the biblical story of King David,
Bathseba, and Nathan the Prophet decorated into his room. In this story King
David seduces Bathseba into committing adultery with him, in which Nathan the
Prophet goes to kill King David for his sin. This decoration constantly reminds
Dimmesdale of the sin he has committed, adultery, and makes him realize the same
can happen to him that has happened to King David.
37. What two conflicting ideas did the townspeople hold about
Chillingworth?
The two opposing views that the townspeople see Chillingworth as
are that he has an enchanted power that allows him to cure many people from an
Indian black art, and that he is seen at the murder scene of Thomas Overbury
with the name of Doctor Forman.
Chapter 10:
39. What does Chillingworth suggest is the cause of Dimmesdale’s
“illness”?
Chillingworth suggests to Dimmesdale that the cause of his
“illness” is a sin in which he hasn’t confessed to. Chillingworth pretty much
knows what Dimmesdale has done; telling Dimmesdale it is his moral conscience
eating away at him.
42. What important discovery does Chillingworth make while
Dimmesdale is sleeping? How does the narrator describe Chillingworth’s joy and
why is this description meaningful?
Chillingworth makes a discovery that Dimmesdale is the father of
Pearl. Earlier in the novel, Chillingworth tells Hester he will find who the
father is by reading their heart, and while Dimmesdale was asleep Chillingworth
placed his hand over Dimmesdale’s heart. He realized that this is the reason for
Dimmesdale always placing his hand over his heart, so he can hide the fact. This
discovery gave Chillingworth joy that he has indeed found the adulterer, but is
shocked that it is a priest who committed the sin.
Chapter 11:
43. How and why does Chillingworth change his purpose in light
of his discussion?
Chillingworth changes his purpose from helping reverend
Dimmesdale to causing him as much pain as he possibly can. As Dimmesdale was
asleep, Chillingworth discovered that he is the father of Pearl, and pursues his
revenge on him.
44. How does Dimmesdale’s suffering affect his work as a
clergyman? What is the public reaction when Dimmesdale “confesses” his
sinfulness from the pulpit? Describe and analyze the narrator’s tone toward
Dimmesdale as he describes this confession.
Dimmesdale’s suffering affects his work because he uses his sin to preach his
sermons. He has become so ashamed of himself he uses himself as an example in the
sermons, and also confesses his sin. The public doesn’t take it as serious as he
tells them, and they think he is being polite. The narrator has a straight
forward tone, making Dimmesdale feel guilty.
45. Through what practices does Dimmesdale seek penance for his
sins? What is the narrator’s tone toward Dimmesdale as he relates these
practices?
Dimmesdale’s practices that he uses to seek penance are whipping
himself with a chain in his closet. He also fasts from eating for long periods
of time causing him to hallucinate and see people he knows. The narrator’s tone
toward Dimmesdale is not of remorse but almost a satisfaction.
Chapter 12:
46. Why does Dimmesdale go to stand on the
scaffold?
Dimmesdale goes to stand on the scaffold to imagine that he is
wearing a scarlet letter and going through a public humiliation as Hester. As
he is standing there he screams and wakes the Governor up, who goes to look out
to see what is going on.
47. Which two people come to their window when Dimmesdale
shrieks? What symbolism might be involved in the author’s choice of these two
characters?
Governor Bellingham and Reverend Wilson approach their windows
when they hear the shriek. The symbolism involved with these two characters
being the ones who come to their windows is that they will eventually figure out
Dimmesdale belong on the scaffold with people watching.
49. What question does Pearl ask Dimmesdale? What is his answer?
Why is this interaction significant?
While Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale are standing on the
scaffold, Pearl asks if Dimmesdale will stand on the scaffold with Hester and
herself the next day. Dimmesdale answers that he will eventually stand to be
judged with them, but it will not be tomorrow. He implies that he will stand
with them not on earth, but in front of God. This interaction is significant
because it lets the reader know that Pearl knows who her father is now.
50. What “sign” appears in the sky? How is it described? What
two interpretations are offered by which
characters?
The “sign” that appears in the sky is a meteor that lights up
the whole town as it passes. Dimmesdale believes that the meteor creates a
gigantic A in the sky. As Dimmesdale looks back down, he sees Pearl pointing
across the street to Roger Chillingworth. The sexton tells Dimmesdale the next
day that a giant A was seen in the sky, meaning “Angel” in commemoration of
Governor Winthrop’s death. The other interpretation of the meteor is by
Dimmesdale, and he feels that it is his scarlet letter A.