As we finish studying Chapter Six, I would like you to write a paragraph with your reflections about the story. We have seen that Hester blames Chillingworth for forcing her to marry him. Dimmesdale blames Hester for seducing him and causing him all his problems. Pearl blames Hester for refusing to tell her about the meaning of the scarlet letter.
In your paragraph (of at least 10 sentences, to be handed in to me tomorrow) discuss your reaction to the way Hester is being treated.
Does she deserve this treatment at the hands of her husband/child/lover?
Explain your answer and your reasons.
Discuss how a woman in Hester's situation would be treated today, in 2008.
REMEMBER: WE HAVE A TEST ON MONDAY ON CHAPTERS 4-6. YOU MUST READ THE CHAPTERS AGAIN AND REVIEW ALL OF THE HOMEWORK QUESTIONS AS WELL AS YOUR NOTES.
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Hawthorne's Home in Concord, MA
The Scarlet Letter (and other stories)
Welcome to my blog. I have been a big fan of Nathaniel Hawthorne's work for many years. In addition to writing The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne is also the author of The House of the Seven Gables, Fanshawe, and numerous short stories. His work is often dark and mysterious.
I hope you enjoy my blog and that, after reading The Scarlet Letter, you will explore more of Hawthorne's writing. Join the millions of people who, like me, are enchanted by this complex man and his work!
Homework Questions on Chapter Ten ("The Leech and His Patient")
1. Why does the narrator refer to Chillingworth as a leech? What does he do that is similar to a leech?
2. What simile does the narrator use to describe Chillingworth's attempts to learn what is in Dimmesdale's heart?
3. In what respect is it true that all Chillingworth seeks (looks for) is death and decay (rotting)?
4. Why do you think Dimmesdale is becoming paranoid (unnaturally suspicious of people)?
5. Where did Chillingworth obtain the dark flabby leaf he had in his laboratory?
6. Why is that symbolic?
7. According to Dimmesdale, when and to whom should a man reveal the secrets of his heart?
8. How does Chillingworth rebut (answer) his argument?
9. Chillingworth notes that there are men who confess their wrongdoing during their lifetimes. According to Dimmesdale, why do others choose not to?
10. How does Pearl react when she sees Rev. Dimmesdale looking out the window?
2. What simile does the narrator use to describe Chillingworth's attempts to learn what is in Dimmesdale's heart?
3. In what respect is it true that all Chillingworth seeks (looks for) is death and decay (rotting)?
4. Why do you think Dimmesdale is becoming paranoid (unnaturally suspicious of people)?
5. Where did Chillingworth obtain the dark flabby leaf he had in his laboratory?
6. Why is that symbolic?
7. According to Dimmesdale, when and to whom should a man reveal the secrets of his heart?
8. How does Chillingworth rebut (answer) his argument?
9. Chillingworth notes that there are men who confess their wrongdoing during their lifetimes. According to Dimmesdale, why do others choose not to?
10. How does Pearl react when she sees Rev. Dimmesdale looking out the window?
Homework Questions on Chapters Eleven and Twelve (to page 231)
1. What does Chillingworth see when he pushes aside Rev. Dimmensdale's robe?
2. How does the narrator describe Chillingworth after he makes this discovery? What power does he hold over Dimmesdale?
3. How do the townspeople feel about Dimmesdale?
4. What paradoxical effect does their admiration have on him?
5.Are Dimmesdale's expressions of self-condemnation successful? Why/Why not?
6. Where does Dimmesdale go to relieve his suffering?
7. How do you explain his actions? Can he really expect to feel better?
8. Why does the narrator call his behavior a "masquerade"?
2. How does the narrator describe Chillingworth after he makes this discovery? What power does he hold over Dimmesdale?
3. How do the townspeople feel about Dimmesdale?
4. What paradoxical effect does their admiration have on him?
5.Are Dimmesdale's expressions of self-condemnation successful? Why/Why not?
6. Where does Dimmesdale go to relieve his suffering?
7. How do you explain his actions? Can he really expect to feel better?
8. Why does the narrator call his behavior a "masquerade"?
Is Chillingworth justified in seeking out Hester's lover? Why?
House of the Seven Gables
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Hawthorne's Desk
About Me
- Ms. Elstein
- I have been teaching at Louis D. Brandeis H.S. for the past ten years. My specialties are Romantic literature, American Literature, and poetry.
Hawthorne's Home in Concord, MA
Do we have control over our own destiny?
Roger Chillingworth claims that everything that has happened, had to happen. He claims that he could not do things differently, even if he could.
Do you agree or disagree? Do people have control over their destiny or is in the hands of God or fate?