THE SCARLET LETTER  REVIEW QUESTIONS             

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CHAPTER XVII (17)

1.      How do Hester and Reverend Dimmesdale react to each other when they FIRST meet with each other on the path in the forest? (HINT: Reread the 7^th & 8^th paragraphs of this chapter)

2.      Reread the quote below and explain what Dimmesdale believes would help him  cope with his guilt?

Dimmesdale says, “ Had I one friend,--or were it my worst enemy1—to whom, when sickened with the praises of all other men, I could daily betake myself, and be known as the vilest of all sinners, methinks my soul might keep itself alive thereby,. Even thus much of truth would save me! But, now, it is all falsehood!—all emptiness!—all death!”

3.      What is Dimmesdale’s initial reaction when Hester tells him that Roger Chillingworth is her husband?

4.      What advice does Hester give to Dimmesdale in order for him to turn his life around?

CHAPTER XVIII (18)

1. Reread the first three paragraphs of this chapter and try your best to answer the following question:
   
   What is the difference between the moral framework (the surroundings and situations that have helped them to form their opinions about morality) of Reverend Dimmesdale and Hester Prynne?
2. What does Dimmesdale ultimately decide to do with his future?
3. How does Hester physically and emotionally change in this chapter?
4. How does Nature, personified, react to Dimmesdale’s decision about his future?