XVI. A Forest Walk Quiz — The Scarlet Letter

Why does Hester avoid meeting Dimmesdale in his study?

• She fears being seen entering a minister's residence
• She dreads Chillingworth's interference and feels they need open space for their conversation
• The study is too small for Pearl to accompany her
• Dimmesdale has forbidden visitors during the week

Where has Dimmesdale traveled before Hester intercepts him in the forest?

• To Boston to consult with other clergymen
• To England on personal business
• To visit the Apostle Eliot among his Indian converts
• To a neighboring Puritan settlement for a sermon

What does Pearl say about the sunshine and her mother?

• The sunshine follows Hester because she is beautiful
• The sunshine does not love Hester and runs away because of something on her bosom
• The sunshine is hiding from Pearl because she is too wild
• The sunshine is a sign from God that Hester is forgiven

Pearl successfully catches the sunshine and stands laughing in its splendor.

According to Pearl's story, what does the Black Man carry with him in the forest?

• A lantern and a rope
• A mirror that shows people their sins
• A big, heavy book with iron clasps
• A scarlet letter to place on sinners

Hester denies ever having met the Black Man when Pearl asks her directly.

In the sentence "It straggled onward into the mystery of the primeval forest," what does "primeval" mean?

• Dangerous and threatening
• Of the earliest ages; ancient and untouched
• Enchanted or magical
• Extremely dense and impenetrable

How does Hawthorne describe the brook's voice?

• Loud, rushing, and angry
• Silent and barely perceptible
• Kind, quiet, soothing, but melancholy, like a young child without playfulness
• Musical and cheerful, contrasting with the dark forest

What connection does Pearl draw between Dimmesdale and the Black Man?

• She says Dimmesdale looks like the Black Man
• She asks if the Black Man set his mark on Dimmesdale's heart where he keeps his hand
• She accuses Dimmesdale of carrying the Black Man's book
• She says the Black Man told her Dimmesdale would come

Dimmesdale appears energetic and cheerful when he emerges on the forest path.

What does "loquacity" mean in the phrase "with its never-ceasing loquacity, it should whisper tales out of the heart of the old forest"?

• Darkness or murkiness
• Rapid movement
• Excessive talkativeness
• Ancient wisdom

What quality does the narrator say Pearl lacks that she needs to become fully human?

• Obedience and respect for authority
• A grief that should deeply touch her and make her capable of sympathy
• Intelligence and curiosity about the world
• Beauty and grace in her movements

What flowers does Pearl gather after her mother sends her away?

• Roses, lilies, and daisies
• Violets, wood-anemones, and scarlet columbines
• Wildflowers and ferns from the brook's edge
• Pine blossoms and moss from fallen trees

The forest path is described as a wide, well-traveled road through open countryside.