Scarlet Letter Chapter 16-18 – Flashcards

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question
Explain the significance of sunlight imagery.
answer
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.
question
When Hester determines to warm Dimmesdale about Chillingsworth, why does the meeting take place in the forest?
answer
It is the only place where they can be together secretly, outside of society's reach.
question
What positive/negative significance does the forest begin to take on?
answer
For some, it is a place of wrong doing and sinister thoughts. For others, it is a place of happiness and freedom.
question
In what ways does Hester acknowledge her sin to Pearl?
answer
She tels Pearl that her A is the mark of the Black Man whom she met in the forest once before.
question
How is Hawthorne advancing his theme of the difference between revealed and secret sin?
answer
Revealed sin (Hester) can be worked through and possibly forgiven. Secret sin (Dimmesdale) tortures you and will ruin you both mentally and physically.
question
Explain the distinction between penance and penitence.
answer
Penance is actually punishing yourself for the sin while penitence is showing regret for the sin.
question
What do we learn is the emotional connection between Hester and Dimmesdale? Why is this significant to the developing theme of the book?
answer
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.
question
Do you believe Hester is to blame for Dimmesdale's suffering during the past seven years? Why or why not?
answer
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.]
question
What theme about nature of sin finally begins to emerge in Hester and Dimmesdale's conversation?
answer
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.
question
Who are the heartless people with laws of iron to whom Hester refers?
answer
The townspeople who use the Puritan religion to punish others.
question
The chapter ends on an optimistic notes. What is the source of optimism. [CHAPTER 17]
answer
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.
question
What contrast does the narrator point out between Hester and Dimmesdale's ability to leave town?
answer
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.
question
Why does Dimmesdale decide to leave with Hester?
answer
He wants to leave with Hester and Pearl so they can live as a family.
question
What is significant about the title of the chapter, "A Flood of Sunshine"?
answer
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.
question
How does Hawthorne reinforce his idea that nature is sympathetic with the union of Hester and Dimmesdale?
answer
It is dark until they reunite, then we see the sunlight.
question
Why would children dislike Dimmesdale?
answer
Children are the most perceptive in the novel so they would not like Dimmesdale for not being honest with himself.
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