The Scarlet Letter
Dialogue, Diction, and Tone
in Chapter 4
Dialogue: Conversation involving two or more people or characters
Tone: a particular style or manner, as of writing or speech; mood
Diction:style of speaking or writing as dependent upon choice of words
As a reader, you can learn a great deal about characters and their relationships by paying attention to dialogue and to the
ways in which characters interact. Diction and tone are other ways in which dialogue can give information about the
characters and the work as a whole. Hawthorne packs a great deal of information into the dialogue between Hester Prynne
and Roger Chillingworth in Chapter 4.
Before you begin, answer the following question:
What is the relationship between Hester and Chillingworth, and what history do they have together?
Part I. Please identify the tone of the chapter, and the conversation between Hester and
Chillingworth.
Part II. Please note specific words which help to create this tone. How would the tone be
different if these words were not used?
Part III. Please agree or disagree with each of the following statements, and back up each of
your answers with at least one quotation from the dialogue between Hester and Chillingworth
in Chapter 4.
1.) Chillingworth is angry with Hester and wishes to reveal her secret.
2.) Chillingworth is a person who desires revenge.
3.) Hester is a noble person.
4.) Chillingworth is crazed and has the intention to hurt Hester.
5.) Chillingworth wants Hester to suffer for her crime.
6.) Chillingworth blames Hester for their present situation.
7.) Hester is afraid of Chillingworth.
Important things to know: How does the chapter end? What 2 secrets is Hester currently keeping? What are
Chillingworth's intentions for the future?