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7 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What purpose does the conversation between the townsman and the stranger at the beginning of this chapter serve? |
It provides needed background information about her missing husband, herself, and the circumstances of her adultery. |
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Why wasn’t Hester sentenced to death for her adultery? |
The leaders felt that it was worse to live in shame for the rest of her life. They also would not sentence her to death before birth and kill the child. Finally,though they would never admit it, they all want to know who the father is too badly to kill her and never find out. |
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Where has the stranger been? What motion does he make to Hester? |
He has been living with the Indians in the Wild. He places his finger to his lips. |
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Who is Dimmsdale? What appeal does he use to convince Hester to reveal the baby’s father? |
Dimmesdale is the young minister. He tells Hester she would be doing a justice by revealing the father's identity because he would no longer live with hypocrisy and guilt. |
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What is Hawthorne foreshadowing with the stranger’s prediction that the name of the father will eventually be disclosed? |
The stranger will pursue the name of the father himself. The name of the father will be revealed at some point in the novel. |
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What is ironic about Dimmesdale’s reaction to Hester’s refusal to name the father of her child? |
He seemed to be relieved and referred to the wondrous strength and generosity of a woman's heart. |
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Explain the allusion in the townsman’s telling Chillingworth, “that matter remaineth a riddle; and the Daniel who shall expound it is yet a-wanting.” |
Daniel was a prophet in the Old Testament and was blessed by God with his ability to interpret dreams and visions. It will take a divine revelation to expose the identity of the father. |
