Study Questions for the Scarlet Letter Through Chapter 15

Study Questions for The Scarlet Letter through Chapter 15

1. Look closely at the opening chapter. What images appear? How is Hawthorne already introducing symbolic patterns? Why does he mention Anne Hutchinson? What connection does she have to Hester Prynne?

2. In Chapters 2 and 3, Hawthorne exposes Hester to the scrutiny of the community while she stands upon the scaffold. What is the effect of placing her there? What does Hawthorne reveal about her community and how they see her? Is the scaffold a type of stage? If so, what drama unfolds on it?

3. How does Hawthorne continue to develop Hester’s character in Chapters 4 – 6? How does she relate to Pearl? Is Pearl a consolation to her?

4. In Chapters 7-8, Hester faces the real possibility that she might lose Pearl. Why is this threat made? Are the views of Hester accurate? What does the community fear about the way Hester is raising her child?

5. Chapters 9-11 shift the focus to Chillingworth and Dimmesdale. How does this affect they way the narrative is developing? What is the relationship between the two men?

6. Chillingworth does seem to be a cold and calculating man. How does Hawthorne begin to suggest that there are defects in his nature?

7. Other than as evidence of Hester’s adultery, why does Hawthorne include and develop the character of Pearl? How does she differ from the three adults? How does she respond to the minister and the “the leech”?

8. Chapter 12, at the center of the novel, returns to the scaffold. How does this scene differ from the opening scene of the novel? Why does Hawthorne bring his characters here?

9. In Chapter 13, the narrator says, “The scarlet letter had not done its office.” What does he mean?

10. Hester has another conversation with her husband and comes away from it deeply distressed. Why? How does it seem to drive her actions and decisions during the next few chapters?

11. Chapter 15 presents another view of Hester and Pearl. What discussion occurs between them? Why is this important? What does it tells us about Hester? What does it tell us about Pearl?

12. Why is it important that this scene and then Hester’s meeting with Dimmesdale occur in the woods?