Scarlet Letter??

The Scarlet Letter

Essay Test

Chapter 1- Discuss the setting and how this plays a part in the mood of the novel. List three textual examples in order to back your claim.

Chapter 2- As the group of Puritan women are standing outside of the jail waiting for Hester to come out, what comments are made and how are these remarks a reflection of the hypocrisy during this time and how is this a reflection of the anti-Whig movement Hawthorne was promoting?

Chapter 3- When Chillingworth shows up, as Hester is on the scaffold, how is he described physically? How do his physical traits symbolize who he becomes as a person throughout the novel? Include specific textual examples.

Chapter 4- During Chillingworth and Hester’s conversation in the jail, what does Chillingworth give an apology for? Why does Hester agree to keep the secret that Chillingworth is her husband? Textual examples needed.

Chapter 5- Although Hester is still a source of mockery and verbal abuse from her community, how is wearing the mark of shame becoming ironic?

Chapter 6- What is your interpretation of the Pearl’s name and existence? Include 3 textual examples in your claim.

Chapter 7- While waiting for Governor Bellingham in his mansion, what is significant of how the A on Hester’s chest and Pearl are distorted in the breastplate? Textual details.

Chapter 8- Explain the puritan attitude toward luxury and how Governor Bellingham and the Reverend John Wilson responded to it. Why does Hester feel that Arthur Dimmsdale should speak on her behalf? What would Physiognomy suggest about Dimmsdale and Chillingworth? Why would Hawthorne want to include Mistress Hibbins as a minor character in 
this book?

Chapter 9- Explain the ambiguity of the chapter’s title, “The Leech.” The passage sets up an interesting contrast between two types of men. What is 
this contrast, and how is it likely to shape the future of the novel? What is suggested by the names Chillingworth and Dimmsdale?...