The Scarlet Letter

Which American author wrote The Scarlet Letter?

• Edgar Allan Poe

• Washington Irving

• Nathaniel Hawthorne

Answer explanation

Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter. It was published in 1850 and is one of his most famous works.

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In what year was "The Scarlet Letter" published?

• 1837

• 1860

• 1850

• 1841

Answer explanation

The Scarlet Letter was published in that year and remains a significant work of American literature.

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In what century is the story of Hester Prynne set?

• The sixteenth century

• The seventeenth century

• The eighteenth century

Answer explanation

Specifically, it takes place in Puritan Massachusetts in the mid-1600s.

4o

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What is situated immediately outside the door of the prison in which Hester is kept?

• A rose-bush

• A gallows

• A pine tree

Answer explanation

In The Scarlet Letter, a wild rose-bush is situated immediately outside the prison door, offering a striking contrast to the grimness of the prison and symbolizing a touch of hope and beauty amidst the harshness of Hester's situation.

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Who is Pearl's real father?

• Dimmesdale

• Chillingworth

• An anonymous sailor

Answer explanation

In The Scarlet Letter, Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale is revealed to be Pearl's real father, though he keeps this secret for much of the novel.

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When did Nathaniel Hawthorne publish his first book?

• 1850

• 1837

• 1841

• 1860

Answer explanation

Nathaniel Hawthorne published his first book, Twice-Told Tales, in 1837. It is a collection of short stories, many of which had previously appeared in literary magazines.

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What symbol has Hester embroidered onto her dress?

• The Scarlet letter A

• A bird for freedom

• A rose blossom

Answer explanation

Hester Prynne embroiders a large, elaborate scarlet letter "A" onto her dress as a symbol of her adultery, which she is forced to wear as punishment by the Puritan society.

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What does Hester reflect while standing in front of the crowd?

• The night of her affair

• Her grandfather's farm

• Her childhood home in England

Answer explanation

While standing in front of the crowd, Hester reflects on her childhood home in England. In that moment, her mind drifts to her past, including memories of her early life in England, her family, and her innocence before her arrival in the New World.

4o

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