Short-Questions

Fast solutions for complex problems

How does Hester change physically?

It is notable that with the diminishing of her physical beauty, Hester’s mental strength improves in “The Scarlet Letter.” For, when Hester is younger and of striking beauty, she is contolled by her passionate nature and, thus, acts upon its dictates.

How has Hester’s reputation and appearance changed?

How has Hester changed? Over the seven years that Hester has had Pearl, Hester’s reputation has improved greatly. Her peers now interpret the scarlet A as “Able” rather “Adultery.” Hester’s appearance has also evolved. She resembles a ghost of herself while her youthful image seems ages away.

What does Hester decide to do at the end of Chapter 13?

Hester decided to reveal Roger Chillingworth’s secret identity to Mr. Dimmesdale had no idea of his true identity and his former connection to Hester. Hester decided that she had a responsibility to Mr. Dimmesdale that necessitated the breaking of her silence and informing him of the truth about Roger Chillingworth.

What is Hester’s physical appearance?

Hester is physically described in the first scaffold scene as a tall young woman with a “figure of perfect elegance on a large scale.” Her most impressive feature is her “dark and abundant hair, so glossy that it threw off the sunshine with a gleam.” Her complexion is rich, her eyes are dark and deep, and her regular …

Why does Hester take off the scarlet letter?

For Hester, to remove the scarlet letter would be to acknowledge the power it has in determining who she is. Upon her return from Europe at the novel’s end, Hester has gained control over both her personal and her public identities.

Why does Hester hide her hair?

The book describes the scarlet letter to have absorbed all the rebellious and fiery qualities of Hester, leaving a cold and lonely woman, her tenderness “crushed so deeply into her heart that it can never show itself more.” At the same time, Hester started “hiding” her beautiful rich hair in a cap, therefore …

What has happened to Hester’s appearance?

How has Hester’s appearance changed? She had become sever and austere in her appearance.

What was Hester’s punishment?

Hester’s punishment was a judicial sentence; however, being forced to stand on the scaffold for three hours, and to wear the scarlet letter “A” for the rest of her life. It was socially humiliating. Hester was sent to prison for committing adultery.

Why did Hester take off the scarlet letter?

Does Hester still love Dimmesdale?

Hester realizes that she still loves Dimmesdale, and she courageously tells him this, even as she reveals her silence concerning Chillingworth. Hawthorne contrasts their love — “which had a consecration of its own” — and Chillingworth’s revenge and asks the reader which sin is worse.

Why does Dimmesdale say he is irrevocably doomed?

In The Scarlet Letter, Dimmesdale says that he is irrevocably doomed because, as a devout Puritan, he doesn’t feel worthy of God’s grace. By his own standards, Dimmesdale is a sinner, having committed adultery with Hester. The only way he can achieve salvation is through the grace of God.

Why does Pearl Kiss the scarlet letter?

As soon as Hester changes her appearance, Pearl willingly comes to her and mockingly kisses the scarlet letter. Pearl desires the minister to acknowledge her in public. She is a constant reminder of Hester’s sin and, if Hester tries momentarily to forget the past, Pearl certainly disapproves.

How did Hester’s position change over the years?

Four years have gone by, and Hester’s position in the community has changed: She has been given credit for bearing her shame with courage, and her life has been one of purity since Pearl’s birth. While Dimmesdale’s sermons have become more humane and praised because of his suffering, Hester’s position has risen because of her charity.

What was Hester’s motive in the Scarlet Letter?

Tellingly, the narrator remarks, “The scarlet letter had not done its office.” This chapter also describes Hester’s motive in speaking with Chillingworth, a conversation that will take place in the next chapter. Having seen the terrible toll Chillingworth is taking on Dimmesdale, she decides that she is partly to blame.

What is the title of another view of Hester?

It is important to note the chapter title: “Another View of Hester.” This chapter is a discussion of Hester’s personality, character, and intellect as well as a summary and an update of her past four years (Pearl is now seven).

Why did Hester decide to help Mr Dimmesdale?

While he seems to have retained his intelligence, his nerve is gone. He is morally weak, and she can only conclude that “a terrible machinery had been brought to bear, and was still operating on Mr. Dimmesdale’s well-being and repose.” Hester decides she has an obligation to help this man.