By Nathaniel Hawthorne The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne
1. What is the significance of the rose bush in chapter 1? Chapters 1-2 1. What is the significance of the rose bush in chapter 1?
Chapters 1-2 2. What do we learn about the setting in chapters 1 and 2? Remember, setting is more than just time and place; it includes the overall environment as well.
Chapters 1-2 3. What is physiognomy? What might Hawthorne be implying by portraying Hester as extremely beautiful?
Chapters 1-2 4. Find 2 allusions in the first two chapters. Briefly explain the significance of each.
5. Characterize Dimmesdale. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 5. Characterize Dimmesdale.
6. Characterize Chillingworth. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 6. Characterize Chillingworth.
Chapters 3, 4, and 5 7. Going back to the idea of physiognomy, what is Hawthorne suggesting with Chillingworth’s appearance?
Chapters 3, 4, and 5 8. What traditional dichotomy does Hawthorne begin to establish with the location of Hester’s cottage?
9. How does Hester’s character evolve through the first five chapters? Chapters 3, 4, and 5 9. How does Hester’s character evolve through the first five chapters?
Chapters 6 - 10 10. Characterize Pearl.
11. How does Pearl function as a symbol in the story? Chapters 6 - 10 11. How does Pearl function as a symbol in the story?
Chapters 6 - 10 12. Review the character of Dimmesdale in chapter 8. What are some of his actions here and how is he changing?
12. Describe the relationship between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth. Chapters 6 - 10 12. Describe the relationship between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth.