Thematic Questions on The Scarlet Letter

In a 17th-century Puritan settlement, Hester Prynne is punished for adultery by wearing a scarlet letter 'A'. Her missing husband, Roger Chillingworth, seeks revenge on her lover, Arthur Dimmesdale, a minister who struggles with guilt and health issues. Hester plans to escape with Dimmesdale and their daughter Pearl, but Chillingworth discovers their plan. Dimmesdale publicly confesses and dies, while Chillingworth, deprived of revenge, dies soon after. Hester and Pearl leave Boston, and years later, Hester returns, continuing to wear the scarlet letter.

What is the main reason Hester Prynne is being punished in the Puritan settlement?

• Witchcraft

• Theft

• Adultery

• Blasphemy

What new name does Hester's husband adopt upon his arrival in Boston?

• Arthur Dimmesdale

• Roger Chillingworth

• John Proctor

• Nathaniel Hawthorne

What profession does Hester take up to support herself and Pearl?

• Nurse

• Teacher

• Seamstress

• Merchant

Who helps Hester keep her daughter Pearl when community officials try to take her away?

• Governor Bellingham

• Arthur Dimmesdale

• Reverend Wilson

• Roger Chillingworth

Why does Chillingworth move in with Dimmesdale?

• To find a place to live

• To learn more about the Puritan faith

• To confirm his suspicions about Dimmesdale being Pearl's father

• To help him with his sermons

What does Chillingworth discover on Dimmesdale's chest?

• A marking that confirms his suspicions

• A scar

• A birthmark

• A tattoo

What celestial event occurs when Dimmesdale refuses to publicly acknowledge Pearl?

• A meteor crosses the sky

• A solar eclipse

• A lunar eclipse

• A comet appears

What is Hester's plan to escape her current life?

• Seek refuge with the Native Americans

• Hide in the forest

• Flee to Europe with Dimmesdale and Pearl

• Move to another town

What does Dimmesdale do during the town holiday before the ship is set to sail?

• He gives a sermon

• He leaves town

• He confesses his sins

• He marries Hester

What action does Dimmesdale take after leaving the church?

• He confronts Chillingworth

• He publicly confesses on the scaffold

• He writes a letter

• He runs away