THIS MIDTERM REVIEW SHEET IS A COMPILATION OF REVIEWS CREATED BY YOUR PEERS. ALL QUESTIONS ARE “FAIR-GAME” FOR THE ACTUAL MIDTERM. PLEASE LOOK AT THE LAST FEW PAGES FOR THE LIST OF VOCABULARY WORDS. I HOPE YOU FIND THIS TO BE HELPFUL.
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The Scarlet Letter Self-Made Reviews
Luke Slonski, Chirag Patel, Andriy Dmytrenko, Kevin Ramirez
Character Identification:
Chillingworth – the man that earns Dimmesdale’s trust and tortures him
Pearl – thinks the letter “A” is a mark of being gifted
Governor Bellingham – commissions a pair of gloves
Dimmesdale – lives a life of guilt and physically punishes himself
Hester – wears the scarlet letter “A”
Reverend Wilson – Does not notice Dimmesdale sitting on the scaffold on his way home from the funeral
Reverend Blackstone – this man was the first settler in Boston
Governor Winthrop – dies on the night that the letter “A” is seen in the sky
True & False:
Hester is exposed in front of the crowd on the scaffold for over three hours. – True
Pearl is born after Hester is released from prison. – False
Pearl loves Dimmesdale and promises never to expose his secret. – False
Hester tells Pearl she went to see the Dark Man. – False
Bellingham’s mansion had been built to reflect Puritan beliefs. – True
Chillingworth suggests to Dimmesdale that they share a house together. – True
Dimmesdale makes no attempts at all to confess his sin. – False
Pearl refuses to acknowledge Hester when see does not wear the letter “A.” – True
Dimmesdale confesses his sins on the sermon during Election Day. – True
Hester stays a few years with Dimmesdale in New England before she leaves back home. – False
The forest and sunshine had been used to display truth and happiness. – True
Pearl is a symbol of Hester’s sin and humility for Hester’s mistakes. – True
Pearl is given to a foster family in New England to stay with her people. – False
Hester is diagnosed with a bad illness after drinking Chillingworth’s poison. – False
Multiple Choice:
Why is Hester being punished? A. adultery, b. murder, c. abortion, d. being illegal in New England - a
Who does Hester recognize in the crowd? A. Chillingworth, b. Dimmesdale, a clown, Rev. Blackstone - a
What vow does the stranger make? A. peace, b. protection, c. revenge, d. death – c
Who did the jailer summon to help Pearl? A. Voo-doo doctor, b. physician, c. exorcist, d. Dimmesdale – b
Where did Hester live? A. in town, b. near a river, c. outskirts of the forest, d. on a boat – c
How does Hester make a living? A. sewing, b. cooking, c. baking, d. farming – a
What behavior of Pearl’s concerns Hester? A. shy, b. calm, c. hyper and devilish, d. helpful – c
Why is Roger Chillingworth a valuable addition to the town? A. He is the only doctor, B. He is the only farmer, c. He is the only blacksmith, d. He is the only baker – a
How does Dimmesdale puish himself for his sins? A. he prays, b. he cuts himself, c. he cries, d. he whips himself – d
Where does Dimmesdale go one night? A. to the river, b. to the forest, c. to the scaffold, d. to the town center – c
What conclusion does Hester reach about her promise to chillingworth? A. she will tell Dimmesdale, b. She will not tell Chillingworth, c. she will move to another town, d. she will tell the townspeople – a
Why do Pearl and Hester go to the forest? A. to take a walk, b. to tell dimmesdale the truth, c. to see fireworks, d. to have a picnic – b
What does sunshine symbolize? A. a bad ending, b. truth and happiness, c. sadness, d. a death – b
What does Dimmesdale say Chillingworth’s sin is? A. revenge, b. overprotective, c. does not care about Pearl, d. is a bad father – a
What plans have Hester and Dimmesdale made? A. to get married, b. to sail to Europe, c. to stay in New England, d. To move to another town – b
Who knew about Dimmesdale being in the forest? A. Reverend Blackstone, B. Mary Poppins, c. Mistress Hibbins, d. Chillingworth – c
What disturbing news does the captain of the ship tell Hester? A. Chillingworth will be coming, b. Dimmesdale cannot make it, c. Pearl has run away, d. There is no more room for them – a
What is Dimmesdale finally driven to do? A. kill himself, b. Confess that he is the father of Pearl, c. run away, d. leave Hester for a better woman – b
Why does Dimmesdale show his chest? A. he wants everyone to know he wore the mark (letter “A”) as well, b. He wants to show he liked hurting himself, c. He wants people to know that he is an adultery, d. He is ashamed of having it – a
What does Hawthorne say about hatred and love? A. they are completely different, b. they are hard emotions to deal with, c. they are the same on the bottom, d. they are deadly – c
Who, in Hawthorne’s view had carried the worst sin? A. Hester, b. Chillingworth, c. Dimmesdale, d. Pearl – b
Quotations:
“Thy acts are like mercy,' But they words interpret thee as a terror!” – Hester
“Mother,” “was that the same minister that kissed me by the brook?” – Pearl
“Why does the minister keep his hand over his heart?” – Pearl
“I forgive you now. May God forgive us both!” – Dimmesdale
“That old man!- the physician!- the one whom they call Roger Chillingworth!-he was my husband!” – Hester
“Pacify her, if thou lovest me!” – Chillingworth
“If thou feelest to be for thy soul's peace, and that they earthly punishment will there by be made more effectual to salvation, I charge thee to speak out the name of thy fellow-sinner and fellow-sufferer.” - Chillingworth
Open Ended:
Question:
In the novel “The Scarlet Letter,” it is disputed, that the character Pearl seems unrealistic. Some believe Pearl is a very mature child for her age and acts adult like. Describe how Pearl can be mature at times. What is Hester’s reaction to the way Pearl acts?
Answer:
-Pearl notices many things and clearly understand them
-When Hester asked if Pearl knew what the letter meant Pearl replied that it was a great symbol to wear
-Pearl notices a certain bond between Hester and Dimmesdale
-Pearl is always very interested and curious of others around her
-Pearl asks why Dimmesdale always keeps his hand over his heart
-Pearl asks many questions and knows how to answer things in a smart fashion.
-Pearl is involved with what Hester does and what she does
-Young girls do not usually focus on all these kinds of situations
-Hester notices that Pearl is very mature
-Hester also believes Pearl is too curious and that she will get into trouble
-Hester does not always feel comfortable telling her secrets because she is a child still
-Hester goes along with the way Pearls acts and feeds her all the information she wants
Essay:
Question:
Explain how Hawthorne uses symbolism in the novel. What symbols does he use and for what reasons does he use those symbols? Give three examples from the novel to help support your answer.
Answer:
-The Rosebush – the rosebush is in front of the prison door and shows a pity for what is inside the prison. It also symbolizes a new life and new beginning for the exiting prisoners. When Hester had left the prison the rosebush had been used a symbol to show Hester had been given a second chance
-The Letter “A” - the letter “A” has many meanings in the story. First the letter “A” meant a bad thing and a sin in the beginning of the novel. When people saw the symbol they would not interact kindly with the person wearing this symbol. As the story progresses the town’s people forget what the letter used to mean. They now see the letter as meaning adornment, a symbol of charity, and Pearl tells Hester that it means to be a great individual. Hester had greatly endured the letter.
-Daylight and Sunshine – before the daylight and sunshine Hester and Pearl had been walking in the forest to tell Dimmesdale the truth. Hester tells Dimmesdale the truth that Chillingworth had been her Husband. After, the Daylight and Sunshine are noticed and shine greatly. It shows a symbol of truth and trust inbetween the characters. Also The daylight and sunshine symbolize happiness. When Dimmesdale returns to the town he is full of energy and is very happy.
Character Identification - Romina
- C Reverend Blackstone A. Lives with the physical and spiritual anguish of hidden guilt
- F Reverend Wilson B. Practices witchcraft; Gov. Bellingham’s sister
- E Hester C. Was the first settler of Boston
- A Dimmesdale D. Is believed to be the Black Man; tortures Dimmesdale
- G Pearl E. Does charity work for the townspeople
- B Mistress Hibbins F. Fails to notice Dimmesdale on the scaffold at night
- D Chillingworth G. Creates her own letter A out of eeglgrass
True/ False- Alex
1. Pearl is less than a year old when Hester is released from prison T
2. The rosebush outside the prison is supposed to symbolize hate F
3. Dimmesdale confesses on his election day T
4. Pearl makes her own letter A out of eelgrassT
5. Dimmesdale doesn’t care that he has sinnedF
6. Hester kills Chillingworth F
7. Hester never has to go on the scaffoldF
8. Hester is a skilled seamstressT
9. At first Chillingworth is portrayed as an intelligent and rational personT
10. The novel takes place in Pennsylvania F
Open-ended Questions- Alex
- Give three examples of Hawthorne’s use of symbolism in the novel. What symbols does he use and why?
a. The Scarlet Letter
The scarlet letter is meant to be a symbol of shame, but instead it becomes a powerful symbol of identity to Hester. The letter’s meaning shifts as time passes. Originally intended to mark Hester as an adulterer, the “A” eventually comes to stand for “Able.” Finally, it becomes indeterminate: the Native Americans who come to watch the Election Day pageant think it marks her as a person of importance and status. Like Pearl, the letter functions as a physical reminder of Hester’s affair with Dimmesdale. But, compared with a human child, the letter seems insignificant, and thus helps to point out the ultimate meaninglessness of the community’s system of judgment and punishment. The child has been sent from God, or at least from nature, but the letter is merely a human contrivance. Additionally, the instability of the letter’s apparent meaning calls into question society’s ability to use symbols for ideological reinforcement. More often than not, a symbol becomes a focal point for critical analysis and debate.
b. The Meteor
As Dimmesdale stands on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl in Chapter 12, a meteor traces out an “A” in the night sky. To Dimmesdale, the meteor implies that he should wear a mark of shame just as Hester does. The meteor is interpreted differently by the rest of the community, which thinks that it stands for “Angel” and marks Governor Winthrop’s entry into heaven. But “Angel” is an awkward reading of the symbol. The Puritans commonly looked to symbols to confirm divine sentiments. In this narrative, however, symbols are taken to mean what the beholder wants them to mean. The incident with the meteor obviously highlights and exemplifies two different uses of symbols: Puritan and literary.
c. Pearl
Although Pearl is a complex character, her primary function within the novel is as a symbol. Pearl is a sort of living version of her mother’s scarlet letter. She is the physical consequence of sexual sin and the indicator of a transgression. Yet, even as a reminder of Hester’s “sin,” Pearl is more than a mere punishment to her mother: she is also a blessing. She represents not only “sin” but also the vital spirit and passion that engendered that sin. Thus, Pearl’s existence gives her mother reason to live, bolstering her spirits when she is tempted to give up. It is only after Dimmesdale is revealed to be Pearl’s father that Pearl can become fully “human.” Until then, she functions in a symbolic capacity as the reminder of an unsolved mystery.
d. The Rosebush Next to the Prison Door
The narrator chooses to begin his story with the image of the rosebush beside the prison door. The rosebush symbolizes the ability of nature to endure and outlast man’s activities. Yet, paradoxically, it also symbolizes the futility of symbolic interpretation: the narrator mentions various significances that the rosebush might have, never affirming or denying them, never privileging one over the others
2. Does the character of Pearl seem to unrealistic for her age? Give examples of why or not.
a. Yes. She has childlike ways that resemble her age. She skips, sings and acts the way a normal child should.
b. No. she understands things that are too difficult for a child her age to understand like why her mother is out casted in society and why people isolate her.
Five Paragraph Essay- Romina
Give three major themes in The Scarlet Letter and reasons supporting your answer.
- Curroption
- Church and courts
- Harthorn – Parris
- Putnum- Danforth
- Hysteria
- Witchcraft
- Tituba and the girls at midnight
- Sahara Good
- Integrity
- John Proctor
- Giles
- Rebecca Nurse
- Conflict
- John Proctor vs. Himself
- Abigail vs. John Proctor
- Putnum vs. Gales
- Fear
- The devil is upon the town
- Marry Warren confessing
- People fearing death- hence confessing to false accusations.
Scarlet Letter
Multiple Choice
- What century did Puritanism originate in?
A: 16th century
- What is the significance of the wild rosebush
A: Hope and beauty
- Why was Ann Hutchinson banished?
A: stepping beyond boundaries of women, conducting religious meetings, directly communicating with God
- Dimmesdale feels guilty because:
A: he is unable to support Hester and Pearl
- Where was Hawthorne working when he wrote the introductory essay to The Scarlett Letter?
A: The Custom House
- How was Hester accepted in the town?
A: helping people by making clothes
- Why does Hester fear Chillingworth?
A: he might expose her, he might kill her, he wants to take revenge
- What is significant about Pearl’s name?
A: she is Hester’s treasure
- How has Dimmesdale changed throughout the novel?
A: he has become sickly and self-conscience
- Why does Hawthorne make Mistress Hibbins a minor character in the novel?
A: she is a character foil of Hester
Rebecca Birch
Kevin Demarco
Otejeri Obeverie
Alice Joy Thomas
Midterm Study Guide- Scarlet Letter
Quotation Identification-What is this referring to?
1. “It may serve, let us hope, to symbolize some sweet moral blossom, that may be found along the track, or relieve the darkening close of a tale of human frailty and sorrow.”
a. a church b. an oak tree c. oak tree d. a rosebush
Answer- d. a rosebush
Who is this referring to?
2. “But why does he not wear it outside his bosom, as thou dost, mother?”
a. Reverend Dimesdale b. Pearl c. Reverend Wilson d. Hester
Answer- b. Pearl
3. “The Law we broke! The sin here so awfully revealed! Let these alone be in thy thoughts!”
a. Pearl b. Chillingworth c. Hester d. Reverend Dimesdale
Answer- d. Reverend Dimesdale
4. “The sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom.”
. Reverend Dimesdale b. Pearl c. Chillingworth d. Hester
Answer- b. Pearl
5. “It is too deeply branded. Ye cannot take it off. And would that I might endure his agony, as well as mine!”
a. Governor Winthropb. Hester c. Dimesdale d. Chillingworth
Answer- b. Hester
6. “Come up hither once again, and we will stand all three together!”
a. Reverend Wilsonb. Chillingworthc. Hester d. Reverend Dimesdale
Answer- d. Reverend Dimesdale
7. “Is there such a Black Man? And didst thou ever meet him? And is this his
mark?”
a. Pearl b. Chillingworth c. Hester d. Reverend Dimesdale
Answer- a. Pearl
8. “When we violated our reverence each for the other's soul, - it was thenceforth vain to hope that we could meet hereafter, in an everlasting and pure reunion.”
a. Pearl b.Hester c.Chillingworth d. Reverend Dimesdale
Answer- d. Reverend Dimesdale
9. “But, if it be the soul's disease, then do I commit myself to the one Physician of the soul! But who are thou, that meddlest in this matter? That dares thrust himself between the sufferer and his God?”
a. Hester b. Dimesdale c. Hester d. Chillingworth
Answer- b. Dimesdale
"It lies not in the pleasure of the magistrates to take off this badge....Were I worthy to be quit of it, it would fall away of its own nature, or be transformed into something that should speak a different purport."
a. Hester b. Reverend Wilson c. Reverend Dimesdale d. Reverend Proctor
Answer- a. Hester
10. “Ha, tempter! Methinks thou art too late! Thy power is not what it was! With God's help, I shall escape thee now!”
a. Chillingworth b. Reverend Wilson c. Hester d. Reverend Dimesdale
Answer- Reverend Dimesdale
11. “…because I will not encounter the dishonor that besmirches the husband of a faithless woman. It may be for other reasons. Enough it is my purpose to live and die unknown.”
a. Pearl b. Chillingworthc. Hester d. Reverend Dimesdale
Answer- b. Chillingworth
Part III: Multiple Choice
- Hawthorne described Hester as…
a)“tall, dark, and homely”
b)“dark-haired, tall, ladylike”
c)“blonde, small, sexy”
d)“dark-haired, clumsy, humiliated”
Answer: b.
- To punish himself, Dimmesdale…
a)Fast
b)Keeps vigils
c)Whips himself
d)All of these
Answer: d.
- The setting of the novel is…
a)New Jersey, 2010
b)Boston, 1690
c)Salem, 1690
d)Boston, 1890
Answer: b.
- Chillingworth disguised himself as…
a)Police officer
b)Mailman
c)Doctor
d)Judge Answer: c.
- Pearl makes her own letter A using…
a)Paper
b)Stones
c)Eelgrass
d)Grass
Answer: c.
- Hester sees her husband in the crowd and…
a)Is filled with fear