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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT an explanation for Dimmesdale's "red stigma"?
(a) God did it.
(b) The minister did it to himself.
(c) Hester put it there.
(d) Chillingworth did it.

2. How is Hibbins related to the Governor?
(a) His daughter.
(b) His sister-in-law.
(c) His sister.
(d) No relation.

3. Who are the "rough-looking desperadoes, with sun-blackened faces" at the holiday in Chapter 21?
(a) Indians.
(b) Sailors.
(c) Puritans.
(d) Englishmen.

4. In Chapter 14, the narrator symbolized the truth by what?
(a) "A tall white pedestal."
(b) "A red-hot iron."
(c) "A fletched arrow."
(d) "A mysterious maze."

5. With what kind of natural objects has Pearl decorated herself in Chapter 18?
(a) Wildflowers.
(b) Seashells.
(c) Sand and driftwood.
(d) Maple leaves.

Short Answer Questions

1. What facial expression of Chillingworth displays his true malice, which the narrator calls "his blackness" in Chapter 14?

2. How many years have passed so far in this novel, in Chapter 13?

3. What had Dimmesdale been doing to himself?

4. What does Hester fling next to the brook?

5. Why will Pearl not come to Hester in Chapter 19?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the three suspected causes of the "A" carved into Dimmesdale's chest.

2. When Hester calls for Pearl to come to her in Chapter 19, Pearl will not move from her spot in the woods. What prevents her from going to her mother?

3. How does the narrator describe the public officials in Chapter 22, many of whom were real historical figures (figures such as Bradstreet, Endicott, etc.)?

4. Many people pass Dimmesdale by in this chapter; why are so many people up so late and walking about?

5. Why do Hester and Pearl gather with other townspeople at the beginning of Chapter 21?

6. In Chapter 14, what does Hester ask of Chillingworth?

7. Why does Hester go to meet Dimmesdale in the woods?

8. In Chapter 14, why is Chillingworth in the woods?

9. Why does Chillingworth attempt to stop Hester and Pearl from joining Dimmesdale on the scaffold?

10. Why does Hester's heart sink when she sees Dimmesdale in the procession during the public holiday?

(see the answer keys)

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