2. 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) Wilson.
(c) Bellingham.
(d) Dimmesdale.

3. Who is named as Hester's pastor in Chapter 2?
(a) Reverend Dimmesdale.
(b) Reverand Hawthorne.
(c) Reverand Wilson.
(d) No pastor is named.

4. This preface is the preface to which edition of the novel?
(a) The fourth.
(b) The second.
(c) The first.
(d) The third.

5. What is the "pedestal of infamy?"
(a) The altar.
(b) The governor's mantle.
(c) The steeple.
(d) The scaffold.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the narrator, what is the first thing that Pearl noticed, as a baby?

2. What distinguishes the men in the "throng" at the beginning of thChapter 1?

3. Why is Pearl's mother questioned about whether or not she should have custody of the baby?

4. At the governor's house when the men are debating Hester's custody, what does one of them say Pearl should have been named?

5. Who is the patient referred to in the title of Chapter 10?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Hester delivers gloves to the governor, what is the other reason for her going there?

2. How does Hawthorne describe the inhabitants of Boston?

3. What kind of plant stands outside the prison, offering a contrast in color and form? Describe what the narrator says about it.

4. What are some examples of Chillingworth's growing power over Dimmesdale?

5. What does Hawthorne say the purpose of the eagle is, which hangs in front of the building?

6. Describe the people referred to as the five in the following quotation: "If the hussy stood for judgment before us five, that are now here in a knot together"?

7. What is Dimmesdale's argument for keeping Hester and Pearl together?

8. What does Hester refuse to do during this chapter 3, despite pressure from her neighbors?

9. Describe the door to the jail.

10. Why does Hawthorne say that it is ironic that Pearl is such a beautiful child, in Chapter 6?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 801 words
(approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page)

View a FREE sample