Chapters 5-12 Study Guide Questions & Literary Commentary

The Scarlet LetterChapters 5-12

Study Guide Questions& Literary Commentary

Humans are social beings, yet Hester isolates herself from them. Is she truly isolated?

Consider the role of facebook/myspace and other social networking tools in your lives. Are you truly socializing or do you remain somewhat isolated?

Chapter 5 - Discussion

1. She is living in a cottage on the edge of town where she works as a seamstress. She is an object of scorn and insult.

2. (1) She remained to be near the one she loved – her paramour (2) Boston is to be the scene of her earthly punishment, the purging of sin from her soul.

3. While she feels agony, she never responds or acknowledges the insults

4. She is more serious and more humble.

Chapter 5 Questions/Answers

>>>Chapter 5 Questions/Answers, Continued

5. It is on the edge of town and socially isolated, just as she is…(Transcendentalism! Henry David Thoreau’s Walden Pond)

6. She is a good seamstress, and they are curious; perhaps, it also allows them to feel superior (humans like social order)

Pearl – named b/c she was “of being a great price” Shows a love of mischief and a disrespect for

authority (like Hester w/her love affair) Mother & Daughter are constant companions Pearl doesn’t make friends – she usually pelts other

children w/stones & imaginary friends are usually her Puritan enemies whom she tries to destroy◦ Now we understand why Hester feels Pearl is possessed

by a fiend. This is furthered when Pearl denies having a heavenly father & asks her mother where she came from

Pelts @ her mother’s scarlet A w/wild flowers – Symbolism?

Chapter 6 Summary w/POI

This is like Chapter 5 – it summarizes three years Pearl has an uncontrollable passion that reflects the

sinful passion which led to her birth Some critics say that Pearl is an unrealistic character This is Hester’s perception of Pearl, but she still loves

her as her only companion… she doesn’t understand her and half fears her – adds pathos to the story

Hawthorne does not think Hester’s sin is unforgivable in the eyes of God, but the sin is not viewed lightly by neither Hawthorne nor Hester◦ They recognize that Hester’s sin was not done with evil

intents… just unholy intents

Chapter 6 – Points of Interest

1. She is a lively, pretty little girl who Hawthorne describes as having “an airy charm” (pg 95)

2. Exceptional intelligence, “artistic” mother, intense emotions of her mother, hostility, outcast, abnormal environment

3. Is she the incarnation of a demon or imp sent from hell, or is she the physical embodiment of Hester’s sin sent by God?


Chapter 6 Questions/ Answers –Cnt.

4. Hester, too, wonders whether Pearl is truly human.

5. “God … had given her [Hester] a lovely child, whose place was … to connect her parent for ever with the human race … and to be finally a blessed soul in heaven!”

* Note Hawthorne’s discipline in the home commentary (pg 94)

Hester hears that certain influential citizens feel it would be better for both mother and child if Pearl were taken from Hester

She sets out to deliver some gloves to Governor Bellingham’s mansion, and, more importantly, plead for her right to keep her daughter

“brightest little jet of flame that ever danced upon this earth”

Puritan children taunt her & Hester’s temper shows Description of the mansion, Hester’s reflection (w/Pearl &

the A) shows in the breastplate of a set of armor Gov. Bellingham is occupied by two ministers and a leech

(dr) but he joins them as Pearl is screaming for a rose from the garden

Chapter 7 Summary & POI

1. She is disturbed by the rumors that Pearl will be taken away from her.

2. Pearl is dressed in a scarlet dress with elaborate embroidery. She is described as “the scarlet letter endowed with life.”

3. Hester is a living symbol. The breastplate mirror magnifies and distorts the “A” and Pearl’s grin. Both are magnified and distorted by the Puritans. Hester, as an individual, is lost behind the “A”, her shame.


Gov. Bellingham, Rev. Wilson, Rev. Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth approach them. Chillingworth has been living in Boston as Dimmesdale’s friend & physician

Rev. Wilson tests Pearl’s knowledge of the catechism, but Pearl deliberately pretends ignorance.

They take Pearl & Hester angrily protests… she asks Dimmesdale to speak up for her

Dimmesdale’s ability to speak well persuades them to let Hester keep her daughter

Chillingworth asks if the men could make a shrewd guess at the father by the child’s mannerisms

Mistress Hibbins (Gov.’s sister) approaches Hester & Pearl as they’re leaving – refuses to attend a witches’ meeting

Chapter 8 – Summary & POI

1. The governor likes luxurious and expensive comforts.

2. They are shocked by her. Hester seems to be raising her in defiance of the proper behavior of the times. (Going against social standards often results in aggression/fear on part of the authorities)

3. She is determined to keep Pearl; she will keep her child or die. Hester loves Pearl & Pearl is her only link to love and humanity

4. Hester appeals to Dimmesdale. He points out that Pearl is both a blessing and a punishment. In addition, he says it is Hester’s responsibility to Pearl which keeps her from becoming an “evil” woman.

5. She says she is a wild rose taken from the bush by the prison door. Pearl gives the answer b/c she sees the red roses in the governor’s garden. The symbolism is that she grows wildly, apart from the laws of society.


6. Mistress Hibbins invites Hester to a meeting of witches (!!!) that evening. Hester refuses b/c she has to care for Pearl.

7. He is weak and nervous. When he puts his hand on his heart, he seems to be suffering.

8. He seems evil; he is more ugly and distorted.

9. Pearl has been sent to Hester by God to be a blessing and a retribution.

Chapter 8 Questions/Answers – Cnt.

Study Guide Questions/Answers

Chapter 9

Chillingworth has been well-received by the townspeople b/c they use his services as a physician… also b/c he’s been helping Dimmesdale who is getting sicker (w/grief?! )

Some view Chillingworth’s presence as an act of God that he came to help

Dimmesdale says he doesn’t need help, will die naturally, but accepts his medicine anyway

They spend time together… some townspeople begin to notice the appearance of evil in Chillingworhth’s face & they question his history

Chapter 9 Summary & POI

Slow-moving chapter that summarizes the lives of other characters in the story

Reinforces the dangerous relationship between the minister & Chillingworth

Satanic turn in Chillingworth’s character… which will be emphasized even more in the next chapter

Why is it called “The Leech”?

Chapter 9 – its purpose

1. (a) Dimmesdale is too earnest, too good. His study, vigils, and fasting have weakened him. (b) The world is not worthy enough for him.

Either/Or – what literary effect does this have?2. If it is God’s will for him to die, he is willing to

die. He accepts the help b/c the elder ministers and deacons feel that God sent Chillingworth to save him. Chillingworth suggests that because Dimmesdale is sure of a place in heaven he [Dimmesdale] is ready to die. Dimmesdale rejects this idea.


3. At this time, doctors were called leeches b/c they used leeches to suck blood from the patient and rid the body of “bad humors.” Chillingworth has become a parasite; he will feed on Dimmesdale’s emotional suffering. In the end, a leech dies with its host.

4. He wants to “look into the character and qualities of the patient;” he feels he must treat the “whole” man. Chillingworth “strove to go deep into his patient’s bosom, delving among his principles, prying into his recollections, and probing every thing” to find the source of the physical problem.


5. An intellectual intimacy has developed between cultivated minds. They spend a great deal of time discussing ideas. As Chillingworth probes Dimmesdale’s heart, Dimmesdale is intellectually drawn to Chillingworth’s “liberal” views.

6. When Chillingworth first comes to the settlement, his expression is “calm, meditative, and scholar-like.” In time, he begins to look ugly and satanic. People begin to feel that Chillingworth is an agent of Satan sent to test the minister. They are sure Dimmesdale will triumph over this evil.

7. (a) Satan tests the souls of the faithful; (b) Chillingworth is the devil’s agent sent to try to enter Dimmesdale’s soul through close friendship; and (c) Dimmesdale will experience great suffering and agony as he struggles against the devil.


Chillingworth originally wanted to seek truth & justice but has become fiercely obsessed by his search into Dimmesdale’s <3

Dimmesdale reminds him that most men do confess and are relieved…but others do not confess because of the “constitution of their nature” or because if they are revealed to the world as sinful they can no longer do God’s work on earth.

Hester & Pearl are seen through an open window, passing the adjacent graveyard… Pearls dancing on the tombstones (being mischievous), and she hears the men talking. She throws a burr @ Dimmesdale and sings “Evil will get you… he seems to already have gotten ahold of our minister!”

Chillingworth continues to prod saying he cannot cure Dimmesdale unless he comes clean


Chapter 10 Summary - Cnt•Dimmesdale finally breaks down, but he does not reveal his secret. He says his secret is one of the soul, and that he would not tell it to some “earthly physician.” Dimmesdale says he commits himself to “one Physician of the soul”•Dimmesdale becomes defensive when he asks Chillingworth how he dares to intervene between a sufferer and his God•Chillingworth smiles @ his own success: “wild look of wonder, joy, and horror” … then he dances like a football player who scored a touchdown…not really, but he feels similarly (victoriously)

Chapter 10 - POI•This chapter shows Chillingworth’s obsessive determination & Dimmesdale’s extreme regret, grief, and inner suffering•Dimmesdale wilts in the face of truth•Chillingworth’s vicious nature is obvious here•Compare Chillingworth & Dimmesdale:• Rather, “a terrible fascination, a kind of fierce, though still calm,

necessity seized the old man within its grip, and never set him free again until he had done all its bidding.” He is thus a victim of that necessity, just as surely as Dimmesdale is a victim of his own weakness.

• A spectacular but mysterious reference to Dimmesdale’s bosom, at the end of the chapter, is a “plant” which the reader should remember when he reaches Chapter 13

1. He puts his hand over his heart2. Chillingworth claims that the black flowers grew out

of the heart of a man who had died with a hidden sin.3. He points out that some people, in order to do God’s

work, hide their sin. He explains that if people knew of the sin they would not let the sinful person perform good works. “No evil of the past be redeemed by better service.”

4. He suspects that Dimmesdale’s illness is caused not by a physical problem but by a spiritual one. The problem intrigues him; even if he did not have the ulterior to move, it would be worth investigating for its own sake.

Chapter 10- Questions/Answers

5. He looks under Dimmesdale’s “vestment” that always kept Dimmesdale’s chest hidden from him. Symbolically, he has looked into Dimmesdale’s heart. Chillingworth sees Dimmesdale’s sin, which has not been specifically revealed to the reader. Chillingworth’s reaction is demonic ecstasy. By this intrusion into Dimmesdale’s heart, against Dimmesdale’s will, Chillingworth has given himself over to evil. The fact that he takes pleasure from knowing of another’s sin makes him more sinful.

Ch. 10 Questions/Answers Cnt.

Chillingworth continues to torture the minister & Dimmesdale begins to fear & abhor him… which could be from his own heart. He continues to uphold the “friendship”

Ironically, as the minister’s suffering becomes more painful & his body weaker, his popularity among the congregation grows stronger – he can sympathize w/sin & sufferers

Dimmesdale can’t speak out & reveal his secret, so he begins self-punishment… he beats himself and stays up all night praying… one particular night, he dresses in his clerical vestments and goes for a walk


1. Because Chillingworth is aware of Dimmesdale’s inner world, his sins and thoughts, Chillingworth is aware of and able to make remarks that can arouse more pain, guilt, and fear within Dimmesdale.

2. “The anguish of his daily life,” [from the torment of his guilt itself, and stroked to great height by Chillingworth] keeps “his power of experiencing and communicating emotion,” his moral awareness, and his intellect intensely active.


3. The more sinful he says he is, the more holy he appears, and the more he is able to affect his message to others. As he tries to convince others (in vague terms) of his sinfulness, they are convinced only of his Godliness. He is aware of the effect he is having in telling of his sin, ad this makes him feel like a hypocrite.

4. Physically, he beats himself w/a bloody scourge, fasts until he is completely weakened, and keeps vigils at night in which he imagines ghostly horrors. Mentally, his focus is on his own sinfulness. He doesn’t confess his sin; he creates his own misery

Ch. 11 Questions/Answers CNT

Scourge: a multi-stranded whip

Chapter 11 Questions/Answers CNT5. Hawthorne says of Chillingworth, “poor, forlorn creature that he was, and more wretched than his victim.”6. Sin humbles; “It kept him down on a level with the lowest.” As a result, he can communicate better. Hidden sin torments and destroys. Both Dimmesdale and Chillingworth are physically and emotionally destroyed by it.

Still on his nightly walk, Dimmesdale goes to the scaffold (where HP stood)… he realizes he should’ve spoken out 7 years earlier when HP was there. He is struck w/abhorrence and shrieks aloud

Rev. Wilson happens to be returning from the deathbed of Gov. Winthrop. Dimmesdale hides and watches as he passes.

As he stands there, frozen, he imagines what it would be like if he stands there frozen and can’t move until the rest of the townspeople come out the next morning.

He finds this idea “grimly humorous” & his ideas are interrupted by the laugh of a child…


Calling out, he finds Hester & Pearl who are also returning from the Governor’s deathbed

THREE of them climb onto scaffold and stand hand-in-hand w/Hester and Dimmesdale on either side of Pearl

Pearl wants Dimmesdale to stand w/them there the next day… she asks him twice, and he responds “no” both times but says he will stand there on “the great judgment day”… Light shines from the sky – it is a dull red light in the shape of an immense letter A

Chapter 12 – Summary & POI – cnt.

Horrified, Dimmesdale realizes that Pearl is pointing @ Chillingworth &, horrified, he asks Hester the true identity of Chillingworth

Hester is silent, remembering her promise to Chillingworth Pearl plays a mean trick and pretends to tell him, then just

whispers gibberish in his ear – she’s vindictively playing with him b/c Dimmesdale said he would not stand with them on the scaffold the next day.

Casually, Chillingworth nudges Dimmesdale for his strange behaviors & leads him away

The next morning, Dimmesdale preaches one of his best sermons ever. He left his glove on the scaffolding from the night before. The sexton also notes the great red A in the sky and says it must be for “Angel” in recognition of Governor Winthrop’s recent death.

Chapter 12 – Summary & POI - cnt

1. He is tormented by the fact that he didn’t stand there beside Hester seven years ago. This is a dramatic way of revealing Dimmesdale’s “hidden sin” that Hawthorne has been building up to. The sin is represented by a scarlet “A” that has been gnawing at his heart.

2. (A.) he is unable to stop himself for shrieking. Two people are awakened by his shriek. (B.) To reveal his guilt, Dimmesdale wants to call out to Reverend Wilson. In fact, he thinks he does. Perhaps his fear of confession prevents him from acting on this wish.

Chapter 12 – Questions/ Answers

3. Gov. Winthrop has died & Hester has to take a measurement for a robe. Rev. Wilson and Chillingworth are with the governor when he dies.

4. He feels a rush of new life, “an electric chain,” because he is doing what he believes is “right.” This is the “warmth” he has been denying himself.

5. When Pearl asks if he will take her hand there at noontide, he refuses.

6. A meteor illuminates the atmosphere & the entire village is lit up. Then Dimmesdale sees an “A” in the sky. When he looks away from the sky, he sees Chillingworth watching him and Pearl with a fiendish smile on his face. Dimmesdale is overcome w/terror.

Chapter 12 – Questions/Answers Cnt.

7. It is magnified in the sky. Townspeople interpret it as an “A” for “angel” b/c of the governor, who has passed away, would have been entering heaven and made an angel.

8. Preaching his most powerful sermon, he brings divine grace to many.

CH 12 – Q/A Cnt.

Documents

Chapters 5-12 Study Guide Questions & Literary Commentary