Study Guide
The Scarlet Letter - Ch. 7-9
Chapter 7
1. For what two reasons does Hester Prynne visit Governor Bellingham?
2. Explain how Pearl is the scarlet letter personified.
3. Describe Pearl’s reaction to the taunts of the Puritan children.
4. What does Pearl see reflected in Bellingham’s armor? Describe her reaction to this object.
5. What object does Pearl cry for in the garden?
Chapter 8
1. Whom does Hester encounter at Bellingham’s mansion?
2. Describe how light / dark imagery applies to Hester and Pearl.
3. Hester argues that she should be able to keep her daughter because she can teach Pearl the
lessons of the letter. What do you suppose this letter has taught Hester?
4. According to Pearl, from where did she come?
5. Why, according to Hester, should she be allowed to keep Pearl?
6. Who speaks on Hester’s behalf? What does he say?
7. Chillingworth speculates that Pearl’s father might be revealed if they (the governor and
ministers) only study Pearl’s features and behaviors. Reverend Wilson quickly squelches this
idea. Why? What does he propose that they do instead?
8. Whom does Hester encounter in the woods?
Chapter 9
1. How was Chillingworth’s arrival in the Puritan community viewed by the Puritans?
2. What reasons do the townspeople propose for Dimmesdale’s failing health?
3. Describe the relationship between Chillingworth and Dimmesdale.
4. Explain the significance of the tapestries decorating the home of Chillingworth and
Dimmesdale.
5. What do the townspeople come to believe about the relationship between Dimmesdale and
Chillingworth?
6. What, do you suppose, is ailing Dimmesdale?