Mr. Dimmesdale's Struggles and Symbolism

In this chapter of 'The Scarlet Letter', Reverend Dimmesdale, tormented by guilt, holds a midnight vigil on the scaffold where Hester Prynne once stood. His cry goes unnoticed by the sleeping town, except for a few who mistake it for supernatural occurrences. Dimmesdale encounters Hester and Pearl, forming a symbolic connection. A meteor illuminates the sky, interpreted by Dimmesdale as a sign of his sin. Chillingworth's presence adds to Dimmesdale's fear. The next day, Dimmesdale delivers a powerful sermon, unaware of the previous night's events being real or imagined.

What state is Mr. Dimmesdale in when he reaches the scaffold?

• He is dreaming.

• He is in a state of somnambulism.

• He is fully awake and aware.

• He is unconscious.

What does Mr. Dimmesdale fear after he cries out on the scaffold?

• That he will fall off the scaffold.

• That he will be arrested immediately.

• That the town will awaken and discover him.

• That he will be struck by lightning.

Who does Mr. Dimmesdale imagine speaking to while on the scaffold?

• Governor Bellingham

• Roger Chillingworth

• Mistress Hibbins

• Reverend Wilson

What does Pearl ask Mr. Dimmesdale to do?

• To leave the town with them.

• To pray with them.

• To confess his sins.

• To stand with her and Hester publicly.

What does Mr. Dimmesdale fear about public exposure?

• That he will be publicly shamed.

• That he will be misunderstood.

• That he will be exiled.

• That he will lose his position.

What celestial event occurs while Mr. Dimmesdale is on the scaffold?

• A solar eclipse

• A meteor illuminates the sky

• A thunderstorm

• A full moon

What does Mr. Dimmesdale perceive the meteor as?

• A message from God

• A natural phenomenon

• A symbol of his guilt

• A sign of his impending doom

Who offers to lead Mr. Dimmesdale home after the meteor event?

• Hester Prynne

• Governor Bellingham

• Reverend Wilson

• Roger Chillingworth

What does the meteor symbolize to the townspeople?

• An angel

• A curse

• A warning

• A sign of good fortune

What is the significance of the scaffold in the story?

• It is a place of execution.

• It is a place of public confession and shame.

• It is a place of refuge.

• It is a place of worship.