Preface to the Second Edition Practice Quiz — The Scarlet Letter
by Nathaniel Hawthorne — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Preface to the Second Edition
What event prompted Hawthorne to write the Preface to the Second Edition?
The public furor in Salem caused by his satirical "Custom-House" introductory sketch, which offended local residents who recognized themselves in his descriptions.
What does Hawthorne say he did after learning of the public backlash?
He carefully reread the introductory pages with the intent of altering or removing anything that might be found amiss.
What conclusion does Hawthorne reach after rereading his Custom-House sketch?
He concludes that the only remarkable features are its "frank and genuine good-humor" and the general accuracy of his character descriptions.
What does Hawthorne decide to do with the Custom-House introduction in the second edition?
He republishes it "without the change of a word," refusing to alter anything despite the controversy.
What kind of motives does Hawthorne deny having in the preface?
He disclaims any enmity or ill-feeling of any kind, whether personal or political, toward those described in the sketch.
What concession does Hawthorne make about the Custom-House sketch?
He admits the sketch might have been "wholly omitted, without loss to the public, or detriment to the book."
How does Hawthorne present himself in the preface?
As a reasonable, good-humored author who is both surprised and amused by the disproportionate public reaction to his writing.
Who is the "certain venerable personage" Hawthorne alludes to?
A prominent Salem figure against whom Hawthorne was accused of harboring personal malice. He is deliberately left unnamed, identified only by his status.
Who constitutes the "respectable community" Hawthorne references?
The citizens of Salem, particularly former Custom-House colleagues and local officials who felt satirized by the introductory essay.
What is the date and location given at the end of the preface?
Salem, March 30, 1850.
How does the preface mirror the central theme of The Scarlet Letter?
Both involve an individual facing public condemnation from the community. Hawthorne under Salem's censure parallels Hester Prynne under Puritan judgment.
What theme about truth and consequence does the preface illustrate?
That honest portrayal can provoke punishment from those portrayed, reflecting the novel's concern with how communities respond to uncomfortable truths.
How does the preface explore the theme of artistic integrity?
By showing Hawthorne's refusal to revise honest work under social pressure, asserting the artist's right to truthful expression despite public disapproval.
What is ironic about the overall structure of the preface?
Hawthorne frames it as a diplomatic response to criticism but concludes by republishing the offending text unchanged, making the apology itself an act of defiance.
What hyperbole does Hawthorne use to describe the community's reaction?
He says the reaction could hardly have been more violent had he "burned down the Custom-House, and quenched its last smoking ember in the blood" of a local figure.
How does Hawthorne's tone in the preface create a literary effect?
His calm, polite, measured tone contrasts sharply with the violent imagery he uses, creating an understated satirical effect that reinforces his refusal to take the criticism seriously.
What does "disapprobation" mean as used in the preface?
Strong disapproval or condemnation, referring to the public's moral censure of Hawthorne's Custom-House sketch.
What does "expunge" mean in the context of the preface?
To erase or remove completely, referring to Hawthorne's stated willingness to delete offensive passages from the sketch.
What does "reparation" mean as Hawthorne uses it?
The act of making amends for a wrong or injury. Hawthorne offers to make "the best reparation in his power" for his alleged offenses.
What is the significance of Hawthorne's closing line, "without the change of a word"?
It serves as the preface's rhetorical climax, revealing that the entire diplomatic preamble was leading to a refusal to alter anything, turning the apparent apology into a declaration of artistic independence.
What does Hawthorne mean by saying his sketch has "frank and genuine good-humor"?
He is asserting that the Custom-House essay was written in an honest, open, and kindly spirit rather than out of malice, despite how the Salem community interpreted it.