Scarlet Letter Chapter 16-18 – Flashcards
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Explain the significance of sunlight imagery.
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Earlier in the novel, Hester told Pearl she could never offer her sunlight. Now, she wants to catch the sunlight for Pearl and can't - because Hester and Pearl are still not at peace with one another since she refuses to identify the meaning of the scarlet letter and the father.
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When Hester determines to warm Dimmesdale about Chillingsworth, why does the meeting take place in the forest?
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It is the only place where they can be together secretly, outside of society's reach.
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What positive/negative significance does the forest begin to take on?
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For some, it is a place of wrong doing and sinister thoughts. For others, it is a place of happiness and freedom.
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In what ways does Hester acknowledge her sin to Pearl?
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She tels Pearl that her A is the mark of the Black Man whom she met in the forest once before.
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How is Hawthorne advancing his theme of the difference between revealed and secret sin?
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Revealed sin (Hester) can be worked through and possibly forgiven. Secret sin (Dimmesdale) tortures you and will ruin you both mentally and physically.
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Explain the distinction between penance and penitence.
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Penance is actually punishing yourself for the sin while penitence is showing regret for the sin.
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What do we learn is the emotional connection between Hester and Dimmesdale? Why is this significant to the developing theme of the book?
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We learn for sure that Dimmesdale is the father and that they love one another. We see how their lives have played out in revealed sin versus secret sin.
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Do you believe Hester is to blame for Dimmesdale's suffering during the past seven years? Why or why not?
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Miss Lloyd does not blame Hester. Dimmesdale could have come forward with the truth of his secret sin at any point. [This question is an opinion, make sure you can back your opinion up if this is on the quiz.]
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What theme about nature of sin finally begins to emerge in Hester and Dimmesdale's conversation?
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There is a hierarchy of sin and Dimmesdale and Hester are not the worst sinners. Chillingsworth is the worst sinner for using their sins against them as an excuse for revenge.
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Who are the heartless people with laws of iron to whom Hester refers?
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The townspeople who use the Puritan religion to punish others.
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The chapter ends on an optimistic notes. What is the source of optimism. [CHAPTER 17]
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Hester decides that no matter what is decided, she and Dimmesdale will face it together; even if their lives are going to end in the colony.
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What contrast does the narrator point out between Hester and Dimmesdale's ability to leave town?
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Hester, through all her punishments, seems to have been waiting for a chance to flee and no one will question it. People will question why Dimmesdale leaves.
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Why does Dimmesdale decide to leave with Hester?
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He wants to leave with Hester and Pearl so they can live as a family.
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What is significant about the title of the chapter, "A Flood of Sunshine"?
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It goes back to the symbol of sunshine. Hester has finally admitted to Dimmesdale being the father so she is once more able to be in the sunlight.
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How does Hawthorne reinforce his idea that nature is sympathetic with the union of Hester and Dimmesdale?
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It is dark until they reunite, then we see the sunlight.
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Why would children dislike Dimmesdale?
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Children are the most perceptive in the novel so they would not like Dimmesdale for not being honest with himself.
