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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Wilson asks Pearl who made her, what does she answer?
(a) That a stork had delivered her.
(b) That Hester had made her alone.
(c) That her mother had picked her off a rose bush.
(d) That Dimmesdale is her father.

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

3. What quiets Pearl in this when she wants something from the governor's garden?
(a) Her nanny.
(b) The gardener gives her what she wants.
(c) Her obedience to Hester.
(d) The appearance of the governor.

4. What was the door to the jail made of?
(a) Mahogany.
(b) Birch.
(c) Oak.
(d) Maple.

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

6. In what point of view is "The Custom House" written?
(a) Third person, omniscient.
(b) Third person, limited.
(c) First.
(d) Second.

7. Which plant is NOT mentioned in Chapter 1?
(a) Pigweed.
(b) Milkweed.
(c) Burdock.
(d) Apple-peru.

8. Who is with the governor when Hester visits his house to deliver something?
(a) Wilson and Dimmesdale.
(b) Wilson, Dimmesdale and Chillingworth.
(c) Dimmesdale, Chillingworth and Hibbins.
(d) Lee, Chillingworth, and Dimmesdale.

9. Why is Pearl's mother questioned about whether or not she should have custody of the baby?
(a) Because of her sin.
(b) Because Pearl is acting out in school.
(c) Because Hester has a drinking problem.
(d) Because Pearl is hanging out with a bad crowd.

10. The earliest parts of the colony had been the jail and what other location?
(a) The schoolhouse.
(b) The governor's mansion.
(c) The cemetery.
(d) The church.

11. Which man in at the governor's argues that Hester should be allowed to keep Pearl?
(a) Dimmesdale.
(b) Wilson.
(c) Bellingham.
(d) Chillingworth.

12. Hawthorne writes of his surprise and what in the first lines of the preface?
(a) Detriment.
(b) Amusement.
(c) Joy.
(d) Laughter.

13. Who is the patient referred to in the title of Chapter 10?
(a) Leech.
(b) Bellingham.
(c) Chillingworth.
(d) Dimmesdale.

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

15. How does Hawthorne metaphorically refer to the United States government in "The Custom House"?
(a) Big brother.
(b) Uncle Sam.
(c) Washington.
(d) The golden eagle.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which minister in the book has "a border of grizzled locks beneath his skull-cap" and gray eyes?

2. What prominent wild plant grows just outside the door to the jail?

3. What adjective best characterizes the governor's house?

4. The title of Chapter 5 refers to what?

5. Which political party does Hawthorne belong?

(see the answer keys)

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