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Scarlet Letter book study guide
Chapter 17
1. What is ironic about Dimmesdale’s treatment of Hester ?
2. Distinguish between penance and penitence.
3. Why does Dimmesdale feel CHillingworth is such a sinner?
4. How does Hester try to give him strength and hope?
5. What differences in Hester’s and the minister’s characters are made clear in this
chapter? Why do these differences make the title seem ironic?
Chapter 18
1. What causes the changes in Hester in this chapter?
2. What effect does Dimmesdale’s resolution have upon him and Hester?
3. What new symbolism does the forest seem to have in this chapter? Why is Pearl so
at home in it? Is it a place that Hester and Dimmesdale can really be at home?
4. What symbolism do you see in Pearl’s standing on the other side of the brook at the
end?
Chapter 19
1. What things alienate or separate Pearl from her parents?
2. In what way does Pearl act as a conscience to Hester and Dimmesdale?
3. Do you sense foreshadowing any incident here? Which one?