Scarlet Letter Notes 4

 

Chapter 9: The Leech

  • Mr. Dimmesdale’s health: too holy or not worthy enough for his sacred work
  • Why does he keep putting his hand over his heart
    • “it had now become a constant habit, rather than a casual gesture, to press his hand over her heart” 83
  • Irony—p. 84
  • How has Chillingworth’s appearance changed? Symbolism
    • Why is he so interested in Dimmesdale? Why living with him?
    • Why is he called the Leech
      • Does anyone see through him?

 

 

Chapter 10: The Leech and His Patient

  • Why doesn’t Dimmesdale realize Chillingworth’s intentions?
  • Abstract discussion of those guilty ones who do not confess—lots of irony
    • 91-speaks the truth of his experience of why some do not confess (irony) without admitting it is he who has not confessed
    • Does he suffer more than Hester?
    • Who is right: Dimmesdale’s view that he can help more without tarnishing his name, or Chillingworth’s that what is better than the truth? What is ironic about this?
  • Who does Pearl call the Black Man? Why?
  • What does Chillingworth try to get Dimmesdale to confess? What is Dimmesdale’s reaction? 93
  • What does Chillingworth discover on Dimmesdale’s chest? How does he react? What does this reveal?

The Scarlet Letter

Reading Quiz: Chapters 9 & 10

 

  1. Who is the Leech? Why is he called this?
  2. Why does Dimmesdale keep covering his heart with his hand?
  3. How has Chillingworth’s appearance changed?
  4. What is Chillingworth so eager to discover about Dimmesdale? What does he discover about him at the end of chapter 10? What is his reaction? What does that reaction reveal about his character?
  5. Who does Pearl call the Black Man? Why?
  6. Is there any irony in chapters 9 and 10? If so, give an example and explain.
  7. Reflect on the attached passage in detail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Scarlet Letter

Reading Quiz: Chapters 9 & 10

 

  1. Who is the Leech? Why is he called this?
  2. Why does Dimmesdale keep covering his heart with his hand?
  3. How has Chillingworth’s appearance changed?
  4. What is Chillingworth so eager to discover about Dimmesdale? What does he discover about him at the end of chapter 10? What is his reaction? What does that reaction reveal about his character?
  5. Who does Pearl call the Black Man? Why?
  6. Is there any irony in chapters 9 and 10? If so, give an example and explain.
  7. Reflect on the attached passage in detail.