1. By Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Scarlet Letter
By Nathaniel Hawthorne

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. Chapters 1-2
3. What is physiognomy? What might Hawthorne be implying by portraying Hester as extremely beautiful?

5. Chapters 1-2
4. Find 2 allusions in the first two chapters. Briefly explain the significance of each.

6. 5. Characterize Dimmesdale.
Chapters 3, 4, and 5
5. Characterize Dimmesdale.

7. 6. Characterize Chillingworth.
Chapters 3, 4, and 5
6. Characterize Chillingworth.

8. Chapters 3, 4, and 5
7. Going back to the idea of physiognomy, what is Hawthorne suggesting with Chillingworth’s appearance?

9. Chapters 3, 4, and 5
8. What traditional dichotomy does Hawthorne begin to establish with the location of Hester’s cottage?

10. 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?

11. Chapters
10. Characterize Pearl.

12. 11. How does Pearl function as a symbol in the story?
Chapters
11. How does Pearl function as a symbol in the story?

13. Chapters
12. Review the character of Dimmesdale in chapter 8. What are some of his actions here and how is he changing?

14. 12. Describe the relationship between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth.
Chapters
12. Describe the relationship between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth.