The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne Trivia Quiz!
The book shows us Hester's story, who gets punished as a result of cheating on her husband and is branded with a scarlet letter A on her breasts to show people who she is. The Scarlet Letter is meant to be a symbol of shame, but instead, it becomes a powerful symbol of identity to Hester. So, if you remember the story, can you pass this trivia quiz?
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Hester has embroidered what symbol onto her dress?
- A.
Scarlet letter A
- B.
Bird for freedom
- C.
A rose blossom
- D.
A round pearl
Correct Answer
A. Scarlet letter AExplanation
Hester has embroidered the scarlet letter A onto her dress. This symbol represents her sin of adultery and serves as a constant reminder of her guilt and shame. The scarlet letter becomes a central theme in the novel, representing the consequences of Hester's actions and the judgment of society. The letter A also becomes a symbol of Hester's strength and resilience as she embraces her punishment and refuses to hide her past.Rate this question:
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- 2.
After she is released from prison, Hester goes to live where?
- A.
In another city in the colony of Massachusetts
- B.
Within the city of Boston
- C.
On the outskirts of Boston
- D.
With Roger Chillingworth
Correct Answer
C. On the outskirts of BostonExplanation
After being released from prison, Hester decides to live on the outskirts of Boston. This choice allows her to maintain some distance from the judgmental and gossipy society in the city while still being accessible to the community when needed. Living on the outskirts also provides her with a sense of freedom and independence, as she can establish her own life away from the prying eyes of the townspeople. This decision reflects Hester's desire to find solace and create a new identity for herself outside the confines of the strict Puritan society.Rate this question:
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- 3.
How does Hester earn a living?
- A.
By growing crops
- B.
By healing other people
- C.
By her needlework
- D.
By selling wood in Boston
Correct Answer
C. By her needleworkExplanation
Hester earns a living by her needlework. This means that she uses her sewing skills to create and sell various items, such as clothing or decorative pieces. Needlework was a common profession for women during this time period, and it allowed Hester to support herself financially.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is the first thing that Pearl sees as a baby?
- A.
The rosebush
- B.
Hester
- C.
The scarlet letter on Hester's chest
- D.
The inside of a prison cell
Correct Answer
C. The scarlet letter on Hester's chestExplanation
As a baby, Pearl sees the scarlet letter on Hester's chest. This is significant because the scarlet letter is a symbol of shame and punishment, representing Hester's sin of adultery. Pearl's first sight of the scarlet letter foreshadows her role as a constant reminder of Hester's transgression throughout the novel. It also establishes a connection between Pearl and the scarlet letter, suggesting that she is somehow linked to her mother's sin and its consequences.Rate this question:
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- 5.
When John Wilson asks Pearl who who maker is, Pearl replies:
- A.
That sin made her
- B.
That she was blucked off of a rose bush
- C.
That Hester and Dimmesdale made her
- D.
That God made her
Correct Answer
B. That she was blucked off of a rose bushExplanation
Pearl's response suggests that she believes she was not created by any human beings or by God, but rather originated from a natural occurrence. By stating that she was "plucked off of a rose bush," Pearl implies that she sees herself as a product of nature, symbolizing her wild and untamed spirit. This answer aligns with Pearl's character in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter," where she is often portrayed as a symbol of nature and freedom.Rate this question:
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- 6.
To whom does Hawthorne apply the term "The Leech"?
- A.
Hester
- B.
Dimmesdale
- C.
Chillingworth
- D.
Pearl
Correct Answer
C. ChillingworthExplanation
Hawthorne applies the term "The Leech" to Chillingworth. This term is used to symbolize Chillingworth's parasitic and blood-sucking nature. Chillingworth is depicted as a vengeful and manipulative character who preys on the suffering of others, particularly Dimmesdale. The term "leech" suggests that Chillingworth attaches himself to Dimmesdale and drains his energy and life force, just like a leech attaches itself to a host and feeds off its blood.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In what century is the story of Hester Prynne set?
- A.
The 1600's
- B.
The 1700's
- C.
The 1800's
- D.
The 1900's
Correct Answer
A. The 1600'sExplanation
The story of Hester Prynne is set in the 1600's. This can be inferred from the fact that the options provided are different centuries, and the correct answer is the earliest one listed. Since the story is about Hester Prynne, who is associated with the Puritan society and the scarlet letter "A" for adultery, it aligns with the historical context of the Puritan era in America, which took place in the 17th century.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following is a method Dimmesdale uses to punish himself for his sins?
- A.
Scourging or whipping
- B.
Fasting
- C.
Vigils (extended periods of wakefulness and/or prayer)
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Dimmesdale uses all of the methods mentioned to punish himself for his sins. He engages in scourging or whipping, inflicting physical pain on himself as a form of penance. He also practices fasting, depriving himself of food and physical sustenance as a way to atone for his guilt. Additionally, he observes vigils, staying awake for extended periods of time and dedicating himself to prayer and introspection. Through these self-imposed punishments, Dimmesdale seeks to alleviate his guilt and achieve spiritual redemption.Rate this question:
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- 9.
How long did Hester have to stand on the scaffold?
- A.
An hour
- B.
Five hours
- C.
One day
- D.
Three hours
Correct Answer
D. Three hoursExplanation
Hester had to stand on the scaffold for three hours. This is evident from the information provided in the question.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What alias did Hester's husband take?
- A.
Roger Prynne
- B.
Roger Chillingworth
- C.
Roger Hamilton
- D.
Roger Frederickson
Correct Answer
B. Roger ChillingworthExplanation
Hester's husband took the alias of Roger Chillingworth.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What physical deformity did Hester's husband have?
- A.
He was missing a foot
- B.
One shoulder was higher than the other
- C.
He was missing three fingers
- D.
His nose was extremely crooked
Correct Answer
B. One shoulder was higher than the otherExplanation
Hester's husband had a physical deformity where one shoulder was higher than the other.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Where did Dimmesdale frequently put his hand?
- A.
On his forehead
- B.
None of these
- C.
Over his mouth
- D.
Over his heart
Correct Answer
D. Over his heartExplanation
Dimmesdale frequently put his hand over his heart. This gesture symbolizes his guilt and inner turmoil over his secret sin. By placing his hand over his heart, Dimmesdale is attempting to conceal the physical and emotional pain he experiences as a result of his hidden sin. This action also serves as a form of self-punishment and a reminder of his moral struggle.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Where is Dimmesdale's scarlet letter?
- A.
On his robes
- B.
On his Bible
- C.
On his hat
- D.
Over his heart
Correct Answer
D. Over his heartExplanation
Dimmesdale's scarlet letter is located over his heart. This signifies that the letter represents his hidden guilt and shame for committing adultery with Hester Prynne. The placement of the letter over his heart also symbolizes the emotional and psychological burden he carries, as well as the internal struggle he faces throughout the story. This positioning emphasizes the intense impact of his secret sin on his conscience and his constant reminder of the consequences of his actions.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What does the scarlet letter look like?
- A.
Very plain and severe, like most Puritan decorations
- B.
Artistically done, with elaborate embroidery and flourishes of gold thread
- C.
A plain A, twined with a thorny rosebush
- D.
Small and understated, so that it blends into Hester's dress
Correct Answer
B. Artistically done, with elaborate embroidery and flourishes of gold threadExplanation
The scarlet letter is described as artistically done, with elaborate embroidery and flourishes of gold thread. This suggests that the letter is not plain or understated, but rather intricately designed with attention to detail. The use of gold thread implies a level of luxury and craftsmanship. This description contrasts with the plain and severe nature of most Puritan decorations, indicating that the scarlet letter stands out as a symbol of Hester's sin.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Hester's husband, Roger, is:
- A.
Much younger than she
- B.
Her soul mate
- C.
Much older than she
- D.
The minister of the town of Salem
Correct Answer
C. Much older than sheExplanation
The correct answer is "much older than she". This can be inferred from the fact that Hester's husband's name is Roger, which is a name commonly associated with older individuals. Additionally, the use of the word "much" implies a significant age difference between Hester and her husband.Rate this question:
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- 16.
By punishing Hester with the scarlet letter, the Puritan community is:
- A.
Being reasonable about their justice
- B.
Following the principles of religious forgiveness
- C.
Proclaiming its own smug self-righteousness
- D.
Promising redemption at her death
Correct Answer
C. Proclaiming its own smug self-righteousnessExplanation
The correct answer is proclaiming its own smug self-righteousness. This is evident because by punishing Hester with the scarlet letter, the Puritan community is not being reasonable about their justice or following the principles of religious forgiveness. Additionally, there is no indication that they are promising redemption at her death. The punishment of Hester with the scarlet letter is a public display of their self-righteousness and moral superiority, as they seek to shame and ostracize her for her sins.Rate this question:
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- 17.
"He was small in stature, with a furrowed visage which, as yet, could hardly be termed aged." Here the word visage means:
- A.
Mind
- B.
Visor
- C.
Face
- D.
Hood
Correct Answer
C. FaceExplanation
The word "visage" refers to someone's face or facial expression. In this context, it is describing the physical appearance of the person being described as having a furrowed visage, which means their face has wrinkles or lines on it.Rate this question:
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- 18.
"Yet these thoughts affected Hester Prynne less with hope than apprehension." Here the word apprehension means:
- A.
Faith
- B.
Understanding
- C.
Anxiety
- D.
Surrender
Correct Answer
C. AnxietyExplanation
The word "apprehension" in this context means anxiety. The sentence suggests that Hester Prynne is feeling more anxious rather than hopeful about these thoughts.Rate this question:
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- 19.
"After a brief space, the convulsion grew almost imperceptible, and finally subsided . . ." Here the word imperceptible means:
- A.
Unmanageable
- B.
Violent
- C.
Senseless
- D.
Unnoticeable
Correct Answer
D. UnnoticeableExplanation
The word "imperceptible" means something that is difficult or impossible to perceive or notice. In the given context, the convulsion initially grew but then became almost unnoticeable or barely observable. Therefore, the correct answer is "unnoticeable".Rate this question:
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- 20.
"Like all that pertains to crime, [the jail] never seemed to have known a youthful era." Here the phrase pertains to means:
- A.
Concerns
- B.
Inclines
- C.
Seems
- D.
Explains
Correct Answer
A. ConcernsExplanation
The phrase "pertains to" in this context means "concerns." The sentence suggests that the jail, like everything related to crime, never appeared to have experienced a youthful era. This implies that the jail has always been associated with crime and its negative aspects, emphasizing its connection to criminal activities. Therefore, the phrase "pertains to" is used to indicate that the jail is related to or connected with crime.Rate this question:
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- 21.
"A blessing on the righteous Colony of the Massachusetts, where iniquity is dragged out into the sunshine!" Here the word iniquity means:
- A.
Awkwardness
- B.
Wickedness
- C.
Sacredness
- D.
Ignorance
Correct Answer
B. WickednessExplanation
The word "iniquity" refers to wickedness or immoral behavior. In the given sentence, it suggests that in the righteous Colony of Massachusetts, wickedness is exposed and brought into the open. Therefore, the correct answer is "wickedness".Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Sep 30, 2008Quiz Created by
Laura Gregory
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