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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which character seeks to make him or herself "the one trusted friend, to whom should be confided all the fear"?
(a) Hibbins.
(b) Chillingworth.
(c) Dimmesdale.
(d) Wilson.

2. Where are Dimmesdale's parents?
(a) In England.
(b) Dead.
(c) In Boston.
(d) In Salem.

3. Which part of The Scarlet Letter does this preface specifically refer to?
(a) "The Custom-House."
(b) "The New England Holiday,"
(c) The denouement.
(d) The climax.

4. Which political party does Hawthorne belong?
(a) Tory.
(b) Whig.
(c) Bull Moose.
(d) Republican.

5. What does Hawthorne find in a "mysterious package" in the Custom-House?
(a) The scarlet letter.
(b) Dimmesdale's diary.
(c) Hester's diary.
(d) A painting of Hester and Pearl.

6. Which description does not apply to Dimmesdale?
(a) Weak frame.
(b) Nervous temperament.
(c) Sensitive.
(d) Healthy.

7. According to Hawthorne, the reaction could not have been more violent if...?
(a) He had murdered someone.
(b) He had committed adultery.
(c) He had burned down the Custom-House.
(d) He had kidnapped someone.

8. What is the health problem wrong with Dimmesdale?
(a) Tuberculosis.
(b) Scoliosis.
(c) Failing eyesight.
(d) Failing health.

9. The following description of clothing belongs to which community leader: "a dark feather in his hat, a border of embroidery on his cloak, and a black velvet tunic beneath"?
(a) Lee.
(b) Bellingham.
(c) Dimmesdale.
(d) Wilson.

10. The title of Chapter 5 refers to what?
(a) Hester's past.
(b) Hester's guilt.
(c) Hester's love life.
(d) Hester's work.

11. Why does Hawthorne refuse to change what he has written?
(a) He thinks it is true.
(b) He wants to hurt the victim of his wit.
(c) He enjoys the notoriety.
(d) He has made too much money from it.

12. What are the two non-Puritan sects mentioned in this Chapter 2?
(a) Antimonian, Quaker, and Catholic.
(b) Antimonian and Quaker.
(c) Shaker and Quaker.
(d) Quaker and Catholic.

13. Where was Hester's "happy infancy and stainless maidenhood?"
(a) Amsterdam.
(b) Rural England.
(c) Salem.
(d) Bustling London.

14. What prominent wild plant grows just outside the door to the jail?
(a) A weeping willow.
(b) Dandelions.
(c) A rose bush.
(d) Lilacs.

15. The "public disapprobation" refers to...?
(a) Approval.
(b) Celebration.
(c) Criticism.
(d) Praise.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whose voice is "tremulously sweet, rich, deep and broken?"

2. Who is to wear the thing Hester is delivering to the governor's house?

3. In what month does Chapter 1 take place?

4. Which plant is NOT mentioned in Chapter 1?

5. Why do most Puritans fast, according to the narrator?

(see the answer keys)

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