Group Discussion Questions Chapters 11-19:
Chapter 11
Dimmesdale begins having visions in this chapter, brought on perhaps by sleepless vigils. In one of these visions he sees "...little Pearl, in her scarlet garb, and pointing her forefinger, first, at the scarlet letter on her bosom, and then at the clergyman's own breast." Interpret this vision. What might it mean? Why does Hawthorne include it in the novel?
Chapter12
Once again Hawthorne hits us with some heavy symbolism. At the end of this chapter, we discover some townspeople have seen "...a great red letter in the sky,--the letter A,--" This also marks the midpoint of the novel (24 chapters in all). What does Hawthorne accomplish by having this portent seen in the sky? Keep in mind it happens shortly after Dimmesdale has stood on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl (under cover of night) and Governor Bellingham has died. In short--what does the symbol mean and how do you know?
Chapter 13
How has the townspeople's opinion of Hester changed? Has she changed or have they? JUSTIFY.
Chapter 14
Chillingworth asks Hester "And what am I now?...A fiend! Who has made me so?" Hester replies, "It was myself." What does she mean? Is it really her fault Chillingworth has become what he is? JUSTIFY.
Chapter 15
Of Chillingworth Hester says "He betrayed me." How can this be true when she's the one who had the affair?
Chapter 16
Explain/analyze the symbolism of the sunlight in this chapter.
Chapter 17
Who has sacrificed more for their "relationship": Hester or Dimmesdale. JUSTIFY.
Chapter 18
Dimmesdale says he is "irrevocably doomed." Why does he say this? Is he truly "doomed"?
Chapter 19
When Pearl sees her mother without the scarlet letter, she "burst into a fit of passion, gesticulating violently, and throwing her small figure into the most extravagant contortions. She accompanied this wild outbreak with piercing shrieks, which the woods reverberated on all sides; so that, alone as she was in her childish and unreasonable wrath, it seemed as if a hidden multitude were lending her their sympathy and encouragement. Seen in the brook, once more, was the shadowy wrath of Pearl's image, crowned and girdled with flowers, but stamping its foot, wildly gesticulating, and, in the midst of all, still pointing its small forefinger at Hester's bosom!" Why does she react this way?