The Scarlet Letter Questions on Chapter 4
The Scarlet Letter
Overview of Hester's Family Background and Childhood in The Scarlet Letter
Hester Prynne's family background and childhood in The Scarlet Letter are not described in great detail. She comes from a modest English family and was married to an older scholar, Roger...
The Scarlet Letter
Hester's decision to speak with Chillingworth after many years and her intentions
Hester decides to speak with Chillingworth after many years because she realizes the harm he is causing to Dimmesdale. Her intention is to persuade Chillingworth to stop his vengeful torment and to...
The Scarlet Letter
Hester's Fear and Reaction to Chillingworth's Medicine in The Scarlet Letter
In The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne fears Roger Chillingworth's medicine because she suspects he might poison her and her child, Pearl, as revenge for her adultery. However, Chillingworth prefers to...
The Scarlet Letter
Chillingworth's Perspective on Dimmesdale's Defense of Hester
In The Scarlet Letter, Chillingworth observes Dimmesdale's impassioned defense of Hester with curiosity, noting his "strange earnestness." Dimmesdale's defense is driven by both genuine concern for...
The Scarlet Letter
In The Scarlet Letter, what does Chillingworth believe is causing Dimmesdale's problems?
Chillingworth believes Dimmesdale's problems stem from the guilt of hiding his sin of adultery with Hester Prynne. He suspects Dimmesdale is Pearl's father and that his physical illness is due to the...
The Scarlet Letter
Who visits Hester in prison in The Scarlet Letter, and what is the result?
In The Scarlet Letter, Roger Chillingworth, Hester Prynne's estranged husband, visits her in prison. Disguised as a physician, he tends to her and her baby, Pearl, under the pretense of offering...