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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Pearl do with sea weed?
(a) Spreads it along the beach.
(b) Eats it.
(c) Wraps it about her head.
(d) Lines her pockets with it.

2. According to Dimmesdale, Chillingworth's revenge has been "____ than [his] sin"?
(a) Deeper.
(b) Darker.
(c) Blacker.
(d) Eviler.

3. Pearl recognizes a man in the procession who did what?
(a) Kissed her by the brook.
(b) Visited Hester and her in jail.
(c) Stole money from Hester.
(d) Gave her a red rose from his garden.

4. Why, according to Pearl, does sunshine "run away and hide itself" from Hester?
(a) Because of the scarlet letter.
(b) Because of her fair skin.
(c) Because of her long gray dress.
(d) Because of the foliage.

5. What is the title of Chapter 14?
(a) Hester and the Physician.
(b) The Magical Doctor.
(c) The Doctor and Mrs. Chillingworth.
(d) Hester and the Magician.

Short Answer Questions

1. What metal is the previously mentioned book and pen associated with?

2. How many years have passed so far in this novel, in Chapter 13?

3. Why will Pearl not come to Hester in Chapter 19?

4. According to the narrator, which of the following has NOT been one of Hester's "teachers"?

5. Where is the ship the Spanish Main sailing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Chillingworth attempt to stop Hester and Pearl from joining Dimmesdale on the scaffold?

2. In Chapter 13, Hawthorne says that some people would think that Hester's scarlet letter stands for "Able." Why?

3. Why does Hester's heart sink when she sees Dimmesdale in the procession during the public holiday?

4. Many people pass Dimmesdale by in this chapter; why are so many people up so late and walking about?

5. When Hester calls for Pearl to come to her in Chapter 19, Pearl will not move from her spot in the woods. What prevents her from going to her mother?

6. Why does Hawthorne describe Pearl, in Chapter 19, as a "living hieroglyphic."

7. What, according to the narrator, enlivened the public holiday with "some diversity of hue?"

8. In Chapter 14, why is Chillingworth in the woods?

9. Why does Hester go to meet Dimmesdale in the woods?

10. Why will Hester and Dimmesdale have to head back to Europe, instead of moving somewhere more rural or remote?

(see the answer keys)

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