The Scarlet Letter Section 1 Test

In which century is *The Scarlet Letter* set?

• 16th century

• 17th century

• 18th century

• 19th century

What symbol does Hester Prynne wear on her chest?

• A red sash

• A white rose

• A red letter "A"

• A green leaf

Why does Hester remain in the Puritan settlement instead of leaving?

• She hopes her lover will confess

• She feels she must serve her punishment

• She has no money to leave

• She believes she can escape her shame there

Who is the "misshapen scholar" that arrives in the settlement?

• Arthur Dimmesdale

• Roger Chillingworth

• John Wilson

• Governor Bellingham

How does the letter "A" seem to affect Hester’s physical and emotional state over time?

• It weakens her

• It makes her more prideful

• It gives her supernatural strength

• It heals her

What does Pearl symbolize in relation to her mother’s sin?

• Repentance

• Innocence

• Hester’s past

• A consequence of sin

Which term best describes the Puritan view on punishment for sin, as depicted in the novel?

• Lenient

• Supportive

• Compassionate

• Strict and unforgiving

What is unusual about the scarlet letter according to some townsfolk in Chapter 2?

• It appears to glow at night

• It grows larger

• It turns black

• It shrinks in size

Which literary movement does *The Scarlet Letter* align with?

• Romanticism

• Realism

• Modernism

• Transcendentalism

Describe how the symbolism of the prison door in Chapter 1 sets the tone for the novel.