Chapter Summary: The Scarlet Letter

Chapter 1
What is the setting of The Scarlet Letter?
The setting of The Scarlet Letter is a Boston colony.
Why does Hawthorne begin the story with a reflection about the need for a cemetery and a prison?
By beginning the story with a reflection of a need for a cemetery, Hawthorne sets up a dark tone. It also shows that although this new colony is what people call a utopia, there will still be crimes and death.
What is the significance of the wild rosebush that grows beside the prison door?
The wild rosebush symbolizes relief in dark times and hope in such a dreary prison.
Who was Ann Hutchinson?
Anne Hutchinson was a Puritan spiritual adviser and was arrested for being a threat to religious leaders.
What does Hawthorne achieve by his reference

to “the sainted Ann Hutchinson?”
Hawthorne is trying to get the readers to understand how important crime was to the Puritans.
Chapter 2
On what note does this chapter begin?
This chapter begins with people standing around the prison waiting to see who comes out.
What is Hawthorne saying about the Puritan women of the New World?
Hawthorne is saying that the women are not very forgiving.
For what sin is Hester Pryne condemned?
Hester Pryne was condemned for adultery.
What is the Old Testament punishment for adultery?
The Old Testaments punishment for adultery was death.
What is the public view of Hester’s sin as expressed by the women outside the prison? What do their comments suggest about this society?
The women are very opinionated and feel that Hester should be severely punished. This shows how serious the society takes sin.
What is Hester’s punishment?
Hester had to wear the letter A on her clothing and had to stand before everyone and be mocked.
What is surprising about the “A” Hester has sewn for herself?

What might this indicate?
This letter A was done artistically and with fertility. This made the people think that she was not ashamed of her sin.

What is accomplished by Hawthorne’s allusion to the Madonna and Child?
The allusion to Madonna shows that Hester really loved her child.
Considering the common use of physiognomy (appearance) in pre-twentieth-century literature, what might Hawthorne be suggesting by portraying Hester as extremely beautiful?
By portraying Hester as beautiful, Hawthorne may be wanting to allow the readers to think that maybe she is a good person beyond her adultery.
What does the flashback reveal about Hester’s past?
This flashback reveals that Hester lived in poverty.
Chapter

3

What purpose does the conversation between the townsman and the stranger at the beginning of this chapter serve?

This conversation provides background information on Hester's life.
Why wasn’t Hester sentenced to death for her adultery?
Hester is not put to death because of the baby and because they do not yet know who she committed adultery with.
Where has the stranger been? What motion does he make to Hester?
The stranger has been with the Indians and he placed his fingers on his lips.
Who is Dimmesdale? What appeal does he use to convince Hester to reveal the baby’s father?
Dimmesdale is a young clergyman. He tells Hester to reveal the baby’s father because he would feel guilty and he wouldn't live in sin anymore.
What is Hawthorne foreshadowing with the stranger’s prediction that the name of the father will eventually be disclosed?
Hawthorne is foreshadowing that the book will focus on revealing the baby’s father.
What is ironic about Dimmesdale’s reaction to Hester’s refusal to name the father of her child?
After Hester not revealing the baby’s father, Ironically Dimmesdale claimed Hester to be a strong hearted woman and to have a generous

heart.
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 an Old Testament prophet and he could interpret dreams.
Chapter 4

Who does the stranger Hester recognized in the crowd that afternoon turn out to be?
The stranger turns out to be Hesters husband, Roger Chillingworth.
Why does Hester fear Chillingworth?
Hester fears that Chillingworth will try and poison the baby.
Explain Chillingworth’s attitude toward Hester.
Chillingworth says he shouldn't had married such a young women and assures Hester he will not harm her.
What does Chillingworth ask Hester to promise? Why does she agree?
Chillingworth ask Hester to promise him that she will not tell anyone who he is. If she does he may hurt the father.
What is foreshadowed by Chillingworth and Hester’s exchange at the end of the chapter?
Chillingworth is going after the father.
Chapter 5
Give two reasons why Hester decides to remain instead of moving to a less-restrictive colony.
Hester did not flee because she wants to stay and deal with her sin and not run from it.
Hester also did not flee because of the martyrdom.

How do the townspeople treat Hester? How does she react?
The townspeople look down on Hester. Hester feels lonely and does not say anything back.
How does Hester’s character evolve?
Hester becomes more humble and is realizing her guilt of her sin.

Describe the difference between Hester’s clothing and the clothing of her child.
Hester wore a dress with the scarlet letter and her clothing was very droopy and saddening while her child was wearing fancy clothing with charm.

Where do Hawthorne’s sympathies lie? How do you know?
Hawthorne sympathizes for Hester by describing her as beautiful and having her not want to run from her guilt.

Chapter 6
What, according to the narrator, is ironic about Pearl’s existence?
Hesters secrets of her adultery could not remain a secret because of the pregnancy but Pearl is the baby and is now the reason her mother is living.
What is the significance of Pearl’s name?
Pearls are a great price and Pearl cost her mother such a great price.

What is significant about Pear’s temperament?
She is the result of breaking rules and she will not follow the rules herself.
Explain the ambiguity concerning Pearl’s background.
The townspeople believe that Pearl was born a product of sin.
Hester believes that, while society punishes her for sinning, God has a different reaction. How does Hester explain Pearl’s existence?
Hester believes that Pearl was given to her so that she could live and have a second chance at life.