The Scarlet Letter Questions on Chapter 13
The Scarlet Letter
The meaning of "the scarlet letter had not done its office" in The Scarlet Letter
The phrase "the scarlet letter had not done its office" in The Scarlet Letter means that the intended punishment and shame symbolized by the scarlet letter "A" did not achieve its purpose. Instead of...
The Scarlet Letter
What is the interpretation of the letter "A" as "Abel" in The Scarlet Letter? Does it relate to "ability" or "Cain...
In The Scarlet Letter, the interpretation of the letter "A" evolves over time and is seen by the community as representing "able" rather than "Abel" or any biblical reference to Cain and Abel. This...
The Scarlet Letter
Motivations behind revealing and concealing identities in The Scarlet Letter
In The Scarlet Letter, characters reveal or conceal their identities due to guilt, shame, and societal pressure. Hester Prynne conceals the identity of her lover, Arthur Dimmesdale, to protect him...
The Scarlet Letter
How has Hester's physical change in The Scarlet Letter been both positive and negative?
Hester Prynne changes physically and mentally, but the changes are not equal - she becomes a more powerful woman, but also loses her beauty.
The Scarlet Letter
Describe Dimmesdale's "crime," punishment, and public perception in chapters 9–13 of The Scarlet Letter.
Chapter 9–13 focus on Dimmesdale's agony over the guilt he feels because of his adulterous relationship with Hester. He knows that the community will not accept his confession, so he tries to get rid...
The Scarlet Letter
In The Scarlet Letter, what value does Hester place on her life?
Hester Prynne's view of her life's value is complex and ambivalent. She largely lives for her daughter, Pearl, and without her, she believes she might have led a different life. Despite being...
The Scarlet Letter
Do "able" and "angel" belong in the different interpretations of "A" in The Scarlet Letter?
Yes, the terms "able" and "angel" are part of different interpretations of the "A" in The Scarlet Letter. In Chapter XIII, Hester is seen as charitable and competent in helping others, leading the...
The Scarlet Letter
What are two reasons Hester's marriage to Chillingworth in The Scarlet Letter was doomed?
Hester's marriage to Chillingworth was doomed due to a significant age gap and his malevolent nature. Chillingworth himself acknowledges their substantial age difference, which likely made it hard...