The Scarlet Letter Making Meanings Chapters 13-19 AP Language andComposition

Now that you have read chapters 13-19 of The Scarlet Letter I want to make sure you understand what you have read. Let's complete some critical reading questions to make sure you have a full understanding of what happened in these chapters before we proceed.

Reading Check

  1. What do many townspeople now say the A represents?
  2. Why does Hester feel she is to blame for Dimmesdale’s poor condition?
  3. Why does Hester pity Chillingworth?
  4. What is Dimmesdale’s initial reaction when Hester reveals Chillingworth’s true identity?
  5. How does Hester transform herself during the encounter with Dimmesdale?
  6. What suggestion does Hester make to Dimmesdale to relieve his misery?
  7. Describe Pearl’s reaction when she sees Hester with Dimmesdale.

First Thoughts

  1. Having now seen Hester and the minister in a more intimate setting, what is your prediction for their success as a couple?

Shaping Interpretations

  1. “The scarlet letter had not done its office.” This statement appears near the end of Chapter 13.Review the paragraphs that precede it.What is Hester’s state of mind?What do you think Hawthorne means by that statement?
  2. Provide 3 examples from these chapters of Pearl’s insightful observations or questions that indicate an awareness of the connection between her mother and both the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale and Roger Chillingworth.
  3. How is the forest with its many elements—sunlight, brook, and windblown trees—symbolic of the lives of Hester and Pearl?
  4. Dimmesdale says, “Of penance, I have had enough!Of penitence, there has been none!” Explain how penance and penitence are different.What penance has the minister undergone?
  5. Chapter 17 provides readers with their first glimpse into the couple’s perspective on their indiscretion.How do they view it after 7 years?
  6. Why do you think that Pearl is so upset to find that Hester has removed the scarlet letter from her dress?
  7. What effect does putting the scarlet letter back on her dress have on Hester?

Extending the Text

  1. Hawthorne paints a pessimistic picture of the role of women in Puritan society.Does he strike you as an advocate of women’s rights? In your opinion, have enough changes occurred so that today women are “allowed to assume what seems a fair and suitable position?”