The Scarlet Letter Comprehension Test 1
This test is a comprehensive test of The Scarlet Letter. Think critically and analytically, ANSWERING ALL QUESTIONS�with the answer that best completes each statement or answers the question. �
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Mark only one answer. Which character committed sexual sin with Hester Prynne?
- A.
Arthur Dimmesdale
- B.
Roger Chillingworth
- C.
Mistress Hibbins
- D.
Governor Bellingham
Correct Answer
A. Arthur DimmesdaleExplanation
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter," the character who commits sexual sin with Hester Prynne is Arthur Dimmesdale. He is the town's minister and has a secret affair with Hester, resulting in the birth of their daughter Pearl. Throughout the novel, Dimmesdale struggles with guilt and inner torment over his actions, eventually leading to his public confession and redemption.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Mark only one answer. What does Hester make for Governor Winthrop?
- A.
A new hat
- B.
A pair of gloves
- C.
A golden threaded shirt
- D.
A bag made of wool and silk
Correct Answer
B. A pair of glovesExplanation
Hester makes a pair of gloves for Governor Winthrop.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Mark only one answer. Which of the following symbols represents Hester's sexual sin?
- A.
The Scarlet Letter
- B.
Arthur Dimmesdale's scourging
- C.
Hester's sewing skills
- D.
Hester's long, flowing hair
Correct Answer
A. The Scarlet LetterExplanation
The correct answer is The Scarlet Letter. In the novel, Hester is publicly shamed and forced to wear a scarlet letter "A" on her chest as a symbol of her adultery and sexual sin. The scarlet letter serves as a constant reminder of Hester's transgression and is a visible symbol of her shame and punishment.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Mark only one answer. Which of the following does not take place in The Scarlet Letter?
- A.
Hester gives birth to a daughter
- B.
Hester and Dimmesdale run away to a better place
- C.
Chillingworth tortures Dimmesdale
- D.
Mistress Hibbins is reputed to be a witch
Correct Answer
B. Hester and Dimmesdale run away to a better placeExplanation
In The Scarlet Letter, Hester gives birth to a daughter, Chillingworth tortures Dimmesdale, and Mistress Hibbins is reputed to be a witch. However, Hester and Dimmesdale do not run away to a better place in the novel.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Mark only one answer. At the end of the novel, what does Pearl to do her father when he confesses his sin at the end of the novel?
- A.
She laughs at him
- B.
She kisses him
- C.
She gives him her hair
- D.
She gives him a scarlet letter
Correct Answer
B. She kisses himExplanation
Pearl kisses her father when he confesses his sin at the end of the novel. This action signifies her love and acceptance of him, despite his past mistakes. It shows that Pearl has grown and developed a deep emotional connection with her father, and that she forgives him for his sins. The kiss also symbolizes reconciliation and closure between them, bringing their relationship to a positive and heartfelt conclusion.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Mark only one answer. Roger Chillingworth pretends to be a _____.
- A.
Doctor
- B.
Barber
- C.
Preacher
- D.
Drunkard
Correct Answer
A. DoctorExplanation
Roger Chillingworth pretends to be a doctor.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who makes Hester promise not to reveal his/her identity in The Scarlet Letter ?
Correct Answer
Chillingworth, Roger ChillingworthExplanation
A common mistake is to think that the answer is Dimmesdale. But the novel never recounts Dimmesdale telling Hester to keep his secret. The reader only knows that Hester refuses to tell the name of her partner. Chillingworth, however, tells Hester not to reveal his identity because he wants revenge on Dimmesdale.Rate this question:
- 8.
What symbol of bright happiness grows outside the jail in which Hester Prynne was imprisoned?
Correct Answer
The rose, The rosebush, rose, rosebush, rose bushExplanation
The symbol of bright happiness that grows outside the jail in which Hester Prynne was imprisoned is the rose or rosebush. The rose represents beauty, love, and passion, which contrasts with the dark and oppressive atmosphere of the jail. It serves as a symbol of hope and resilience, showing that even in the most difficult circumstances, beauty and happiness can still thrive.Rate this question:
- 9.
Which of the following was conceived outside of marriage?
- A.
Pearl
- B.
Roger Chillingworth
- C.
Mistress Hibbins
- D.
Hester Prynne
Correct Answer
A. PearlExplanation
Pearl was conceived outside of marriage because her mother, Hester Prynne, had an affair with Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale while she was still married to her husband, Roger Chillingworth. As a result of this affair, Pearl was born, making her conception outside of the bounds of Hester's marriage. Mistress Hibbins is not relevant to this question as she is a minor character in the novel and her conception is not discussed.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How does Hester wear her scarlet letter?
- A.
With shame
- B.
With pride and defiance
- C.
With happiness
Correct Answer
B. With pride and defianceExplanation
Hester wears her scarlet letter with pride and defiance because she refuses to be shamed or hide her past. Despite the societal judgment and punishment, she embraces her sin and uses it as a symbol of her strength and resilience. By wearing the scarlet letter openly, she challenges the oppressive norms of her Puritan community and asserts her individuality. Her defiance and pride in wearing the letter demonstrate her refusal to conform to society's expectations and her determination to live life on her own terms.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What does the scarlet letter stand for?
- A.
Acrimony
- B.
Attribute
- C.
Indignity
- D.
Adulteress
Correct Answer
D. AdulteressExplanation
The scarlet letter stands for the term "adulteress". In the novel "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the protagonist, Hester Prynne, is forced to wear a scarlet letter 'A' on her clothing as a punishment for committing adultery. The letter serves as a public symbol of her sin and shame, and it represents her identity as an adulteress in the Puritan society. The scarlet letter becomes a constant reminder of her transgression and a symbol of the moral and social consequences she has to endure.Rate this question:
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- 12.
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter," what is the name of the protagonist's daughter? Options:
- A.
Hester
- B.
Pearl
- C.
Dimmesdale
- D.
Chillingworth
Correct Answer
B. PearlExplanation
In "The Scarlet Letter," the protagonist, Hester Prynne, has a daughter named Pearl. Pearl is a central character in the novel and plays a significant role in the story's themes and symbolism.Rate this question:
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- 13.
How does Arthur Dimmesdale die?
- A.
He dies on the scaffold
- B.
He dies kissing Pearl
- C.
He dies caressing Hester
- D.
He is killed by Roger Chillingworth
Correct Answer
A. He dies on the scaffoldExplanation
Arthur Dimmesdale dies on the scaffold. This is significant because throughout the novel, the scaffold is a symbol of public shame and punishment. Dimmesdale's death on the scaffold can be seen as a form of atonement for his sins and a final act of redemption. It also serves as a way for him to publicly confess his guilt and hypocrisy, as he reveals the scarlet letter on his chest before dying.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What happens when Hester takes off the Scarlet letter in front of Pearl?
- A.
Radiant light beams over Hester; she has transformed into a new woman
- B.
Pearl runs to Dimmesdale, revealing that he is her true father
- C.
Pearl begins to convulse violently
- D.
The scarlet letter evaporates
Correct Answer
C. Pearl begins to convulse violentlyExplanation
When Hester takes off the Scarlet letter in front of Pearl, Pearl begins to convulse violently. This suggests that Pearl has developed a strong attachment to the symbol of the Scarlet letter and its presence on her mother's chest. Removing the letter disrupts Pearl's sense of familiarity and stability, causing her to react in a distressing and uncontrollable manner.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which character (not including Hester) is the first to see Hester Prynne's scarlet letter?
- A.
Arthur Dimmesdale
- B.
Pearl
- C.
Mistress Hibbins
- D.
Roger Chillingworth
Correct Answer
B. PearlExplanation
Pearl is the first character to see Hester Prynne's scarlet letter. This is evident in the novel "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, as Pearl is constantly fixated on the letter and even reaches out to touch it. Her fascination with the letter suggests that she is aware of its significance and understands its connection to her mother's shame. Additionally, Pearl's young age and curiosity make her more observant than the other characters, allowing her to notice the scarlet letter before anyone else.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Why does Hester have to wear the scarlet letter? What does this represent to the townspeople?
- A.
Hester wears it as a symbol of Dimmesdale's love; this represents Hester's extreme love capability
- B.
Hester has had sex with an unknown individual; this represents the realization of (and atonement for) sin
- C.
Hester desires nothing more than to be noticed; this represents Hester's ultimate cry for attention
- D.
Hester is too prideful to do anything worthy of being in that town; the townspeople scorn her for this
Correct Answer
B. Hester has had sex with an unknown individual; this represents the realization of (and atonement for) sinExplanation
Hester has to wear the scarlet letter because she has committed adultery by having sex with an unknown individual. The scarlet letter represents her acknowledgment and repentance for her sin. It serves as a constant reminder of her transgression and the consequences she must face. The townspeople view the scarlet letter as a symbol of shame and a warning to others about the consequences of sin. It represents Hester's public humiliation and serves as a way for the community to ostracize and scorn her.Rate this question:
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- 17.
At the beginning of the novel, why does Pearl cry?
- A.
She is dropped when Hester goes into shock
- B.
She is squeezed when Hester thinks about her future
- C.
She is reacting to the sight of the Scarlet Letter
- D.
She is crying for the return of her father
Correct Answer
B. She is squeezed when Hester thinks about her futureExplanation
Pearl cries because she is squeezed when Hester thinks about her future. This suggests that Pearl is sensitive to her mother's emotions and is affected by Hester's distress and uncertainty about what lies ahead.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Hester wears the scarlet letter on her _____.
- A.
Hair
- B.
Shoes
- C.
Skin
- D.
Clothes
Correct Answer
D. ClothesExplanation
Hester wears the scarlet letter on her clothes. This is evident from the context of the question, as the scarlet letter is typically depicted as a piece of fabric or embroidery that Hester is required to wear visibly on her clothing as a symbol of her sin and shame.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which character was reputed to be a witch?
- A.
Hester Prynne
- B.
Mistress Hibbins
- C.
Lady Dulocca
- D.
Dimmesdale's wife
Correct Answer
B. Mistress HibbinsExplanation
Mistress Hibbins is reputed to be a witch. In the novel "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mistress Hibbins is portrayed as a mysterious and supernatural character who is believed to have connections with the devil and practices witchcraft. She is described as a witch in the story and is known for her involvement in dark and occult activities. Her reputation as a witch adds to the atmosphere of fear and superstition in the Puritan society depicted in the novel.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Hester works as a _____.
- A.
Beautician
- B.
Nurse
- C.
Church worker
- D.
Seamstress
Correct Answer
D. SeamstressExplanation
Hester works as a seamstress. This means that her job involves sewing and altering clothes. She may work in a clothing store, a tailor shop, or even have her own business. As a seamstress, Hester would use her skills to create, repair, and modify garments according to the needs and preferences of her clients. This profession requires expertise in various sewing techniques, knowledge of different fabrics, and attention to detail.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Which character says "I was plucked off the rosebush"?
- A.
Hester
- B.
Dimmesdale
- C.
Pearl
- D.
Chillingworth
Correct Answer
C. PearlExplanation
Pearl says "I was plucked off the rosebush." This quote suggests that Pearl sees herself as a symbol of beauty and purity, like a rose. It also implies that she feels detached from society, as if she was plucked from the rosebush and separated from the world around her. This statement reflects Pearl's unique and independent nature, as well as her ability to perceive herself and her circumstances in a poetic and metaphorical way.Rate this question:
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