THE SCARLET LETTER REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) For what two uses must parcels of land be invariably set aside in every new colony?
2)
What can you infer about human nature, based on the fact that these two
uses always exist in
any location where people live together?
3)
What object does Hawthorne refer to as “the black flower of civilized
society” ?
(By the way, that is a
metaphor!)
4) What item described in chapter I serves to offer comfort to people who need it?
CHAPTER II
1. What type of people might be publicly punished in early Boston?
2. Who is Mistress Hibbons?
3. Why is Hester Prynne being punished? What is her punishment?
4.
What is the reaction of most of the townswoman to Hester Prynne’s
punishment?
What does one of the townswomen suggest for
Hester’s punishment?
5. How do the townswoman compare with Hester Prynne in appearance?
6.
Describe Hester’s demeanor as she walks out of the jail and stands
before the crowd.
(Helpful
Hint: It would be outstanding if you could use some quotes to support
your
answer to this question!)
7. Who is on the balcony of the meeting house overlooking the scaffold?
8. While standing on the scaffold, how does Hester find relief “from the cruel weight and hardness of reality”?