Scarlet Letter Quiz

Answer: Nathaniel Hawthorne

Hawthorne published 'The Scarlet Letter' in 1850. It was an instant hit. The story takes place in 17th century Boston.

Answer: Adultery

Hester commits the crime of adultery with an unknown lover. She is only caught because she becomes pregnant. Her husband was not present when she became pregnant, so the people know it was adultery. She has the child before she is punished, and names the child Pearl.

Answer: She must wear a giant letter on her chest

The giant letter is an A, for adultery. She has to wear it so everyone knows she committed adultery. Even though the letter is suppose to symbolize adultery, the true meaning changes as the story goes on.

Answer: Needlework

Hester is very skilled at needlework. Even though she is disliked because of her crime, the people still buy her needlework because it is very nice and well made. An example of her work is the scarlet letter, which she designed and created herself.

Answer: Hester's husband

Chillingworth was gone on business and was captured by Native Americans, leaving Hester by herself for a couple of years. Chillingworth arrives in town just as Hester is being publicly humiliated. He then visits Hester and swears revenge on her lover.

Answer: The town's preacher

Dimmesdale is a preacher, and is involved in this crime, even though nobody realizes it until the end of the book. As the book goes on the reader can see he is getting sicker and his health is failing. The reason behind this is reveled later in the book.

Answer: Arthur Dimmesdale

Hester and Dimmesdale fell in love while Chillingworth was gone, and Hester got pregnant with Dimmesdale's child. Even though he isn't punished for his crime by the people, he punishes himself by fasting and whipping himself.

Answer: Run away to Europe together

They plan to take a ship to Europe and leave their past behind them. They also plan to take Pearl along with them. This plan is spoiled when Chillingworth finds out, and gets a ride on the same ship they are taking to Europe.

Answer: They are celebrating because they got a new governor

The town is getting a new governor because the last one died of illness. This event is called election day. On this day, they have a big parade and celebration, which everyone in the town goes to.

Answer: He reveals that he is Hester's lover

Dimmesdale gives a big dramatic speech about how he committed adultery with Hester. Then he promptly dies. Months later, Chillingworth dies because he was unable to get revenge. Hester and Pearl disappear for a while, but Hester later comes back soon before she dies. Hester is then buried next to Dimmesdale.