"The Scarlet Letter" Obscurities Quiz

Answer: 3 months

At the beginning of Hawthorne's novel, it is mentioned that Pearl is three months old.

Answer: The comforting presence of her sister and brother at play.

All these occurred. In the novel, it is not even mentioned that Hester had any brothers or sisters, or any siblings at all. Upon the scaffold, Hester sees a man of "slight physical deformity," who is later learned to be her husband, Chillingworth.

Answer: Never

These words are the first said by Hester in the novel. She says them to Reverend Wilson, who demands that she name her co-adulterer.

Answer: False

Hester calls her daughter Pearl, as the daughter represents something of great price. Her mother's only treasure, and, interestingly, a reference from The Bible.

Answer: 7 years

From beginning of the novel to the end, in which Dimmesdale dies of his insurmountable guilt, seven years have passed.

Answer: Avowal

The Scarlet Letter undergoes three transformations of meanings. The first being "Adulteress," the second being "Angel" (declared as Governor Winthrop passes away and the "A" is seen in the night sky.) and the third being "Able," as Hester proves herself to be a very strong-willed and an all-around-able person.

Answer: The sunshine

Pearl says that "the sunshine does not love you (Hester)." Throughout this scene, the sunshine symbolizes happiness. Hester will never be able to grasp happiness, so, in effect, Pearl is telling her that happiness does not love Hester.

Answer: glove

The morning following the meteor sighting, the town's old sexton picks up a black glove and solemnly explains that "Satan had dropped it there intending a scurrilous jest against your (Dimmesdale) reverence." The glove symbolizes the evil and the state of mind that Dimmesdale is in for committing adultery.

Answer: 1850

"The Scarlet Letter" was first published in 1850. The book is still considered a "Classic," and is lauded by literary figures even to this day.

Answer: Dimmesdale

Dimmesdale is the first to pass away (as he reveals the "A" of his own on his chest to the town), followed by Chillingworth, then Hester, then Pearl. At the end of the book, it is learned that Hester is buried next to Dimmesdale where "On a field, sable, the letter A, guiles." (Translates to on a black background, the red "A" burns.)