Study Guide – The Scarlet Letter

Some themes to think about as you read the book:

  1. Is Hester a heroine? Some consider her to be the first heroine in American Literature
  2. How love and hate can engender destructive passions
  3. The relationship, often conflicting, between good and evil
  4. Passion vs moral growth
  5. The individual vs society
  6. The Christian process of sin-isolation-suffering-reunion, in all its variations
  7. The tragedy of irreconcilable moral viewpoints
  8. The harshness of Puritanism
  9. How confession is good for the soul

Be able to discuss these aspects of the book as they are listed above. The Scarlet Letter is an intellectual challenge for you. It is hoped you will enjoy it or at least appreciate it. Many students have done both.

Day 6: Homework

Read 9. “The Leech,” pp. 114-125. Write down and answer the following questions:

  1. What has motivated Chillingworth to live in the village? What appears to be his motive?
  2. Why are Dimmesdale’s parishioners concerned about his welfare? What spiritual reasons do they give?
  3. Is there any hint Dimmesdale gives as to the source of his physical troubles?
  4. What seems to attract Chillingworth and Dimmesdale to each other?
  5. Notice the tapestry in Dimmesdale’s room shows David, Bathsheba, and the prophet Nathan. What is the author’s purpose in putting it in the setting?
  6. “Leech” has several meanings. Which ones fit Chillingworth?
  7. What spiritual struggle do the villagers believe Dimmesdale is undergoing? What do you think his struggle is about?

Read 10. “The Leech and His Patient,” pp. 125-135. Write down and answer the following questions:

  1. What is symbolized by the weeds, the graveyard, and Pearl’s wild shrieks of laughter in the summer sun?
  2. Dimmesdale, as a minister, has an unusual insight into the reasons good people may have for hiding their sins. Do you agree with these reasons?
  3. Now what colors do you associate with Chillingworth, Dimmesdale, Hester, and Pearl? What do they represent?
  4. Notice carefully the impish actions of Pearl. What are Hawthorne’s purposes for making her do these things?
  5. Dimmesdale says Pearl has “the freedom of a broken law.” What can he mean by that? If she is a child of sin, why is she so alert and healthy?
  6. What evidence – now made clear – does Chillingworth associate between physical and mental health? How does he apply this to Dimmesdale?
  7. What makes Chillingworth feel triumphant at the end of the chapter? In what way does the author tell Chillingworth himself is like Satan? Are you surprised? Why?