Chapter 12
Where does Dimmesdale go at the beginning? Why does he go there?
Early on, there is reference to something on Dimmesdale's breast. What is it? A quote would be nice.
" 'It is done!' muttered the minister, covering his face with his hands. 'The whole town will awake, and hurry forth, and find me here!' "
Explain this quote, telling what is going on before "the minister" says this and how this is a significant moment in the chapter.
Who does see him? "The whole town"?
Why is Mr. Wilson out so late?
Does Dimmesdale talk to Mr. Wilson?
Who does Dimmesdale see next?
What does Pearl ask him to do?
Consider the entire conversation between Arthur and Pearl. What happens? Is this important?
"Nothing was more common, in those says, than to interpret all meteoric appearances. . ."
Explain what this has to do with anything going on in the rest of this chapter.
What does the minister see in the sky? Looking through that paragraph, is Hawthorne clear that what Dimmesdale saw was definitely what was in the sky?
Who else is with Dimmesdale?
Why doesn't Dimmesdale recognize him? What is your explanation and what is Hawthorne's?
This chapter ends in the next day. What happens at the end of this chapter? Why do you think Dimmesdale says, "I had not heard of it"?
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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?
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