The Scarlet Letter, ch. 9-12

Ch. 9 - What is one notable aspect of Dimmesdale's deteriorating health?

• He loses his ability to speak.

• He frequently covers his heart with his hand.

• He suffers from constant headaches.

• He experiences uncontrolled shaking.

Answer explanation

The question asks about a notable aspect of Dimmesdale's declining health. The correct answer is that he frequently covers his heart with his hand. This is a significant part of his character and symbolic of his guilt and internal suffering, which is represented by his deteriorating health.

Ch. 9 - As both Chillingworth and Dimmesdale begin to suffer physically, what does the outward state of their bodies reflect?

• Their hard-earned wisdom

• Their moral values

• Their deep bond

• Their inner turmoil

Answer explanation

In Chapter 9, the physical suffering of both Chillingworth and Dimmesdale is a mirror reflection of their inner turmoil. Their bodies are manifesting the emotional and psychological torment they are undergoing internally. This is not a reflection of their wisdom, moral values, or bond, but a clear indication of their inner conflicts and personal struggles.

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Ch. 10 - What does Chillingworth suspect is causing Dimmesdale's physical suffering?

• Anxiety from writing his sermons

• Fear of dying

• A rare illness

• Stress from keeping a secret

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Ch. 10 - What does the image of Pearl attaching prickly burrs to Hester's scarlet letter, to which the burrs "tenaciously" cling, represent?

• Pearls fascination with the letter and the secret behind it

• The pain that wearing the letter causes Hester

• The way the letter itself clings to Hester's identity

• All of the above

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Ch. 10 - What does Pearl do when she notices that Dimmesdale is watching her and Hester in the graveyard?

• Pearl gives Dimmesdale a flower and tells Hester that he is a kind man.

• Pearl throws a burr at Dimmesdale and warns Hester that the Black Man has possessed him.

• Pearl hides behind Hester and tells her that Dimmesdale is dangerous.

• Pearl runs up to Dimmesdale and asks him to reveal his secret to Hester.

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Ch. 10 - What does Chillingworth do while Dimmesdale is asleep?

• He draws a mark of the occult on Dimmesdale's ankle.

• He pushes aside Dimmesdale's shirt and sees something on his chest.

• He writes a letter to Hester in Dimmesdale's handwriting.

• He searches in Dimmesdale's dresser and finds a letter confessing everything.

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Ch. 11 - Why does Chillingworth embark on a campaign to make Dimmesdale as miserable as possible?

• He is convinced that Dimmesdale is Pearl's father.

• He believes that is the only way to end Dimmesdale's suffering.

• He thinks Dimmesdale is plotting to expose him as Pearl's husband.

• He understands that Dimmesdale has been possessed by Satan.

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Ch. 11 - What does Dimmesdale's description of himself in a sermon as a "pollution and a lie" suggest about the way his sin has affected him?

• It has made him more judgmental of other sinners.

• It has allowed him to empathize with other sinners.

• It has isolated him from other sinners' struggles.

• It has caused him to feel superior to other Puritans.

Answer explanation

Dimmesdale's self-description as a 'pollution and a lie' indicates a deep sense of guilt and self-loathing. His sin, instead of separating him from other sinners, has given him an understanding and empathy towards them. He is no longer the judgmental Puritan but a man who understands the struggles of sinners, making him empathetic.

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Ch. 11 - As Dimmesdale punishes himself physically and emotionally for his sin, what does the novel imply is the only thing that will relieve his suffering?

• A change in his environment

• A stronger relationship with Chillingworth

• Seeking professional help

• Confessing his sin

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Ch. 12 - Which of the following best describes why Dimmesdale climbs the town scaffold at night?

• To privately relive the experience of Hester and Pearl

• To practice delivering a sermon to the townspeople

• To plan his escape from the town

• To secretly meet with Hester and Pearl

Answer explanation

In chapter 12 of the Scarlet Letter, Dimmesdale climbs the town scaffold at night to privately relive the experience of Hester and Pearl. This action represents his guilt and internal struggle for not being publicly recognized as Pearl's father and Hester's partner in crime. It shows his need to understand and empathize with their experiences.

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