XXI. The New England Holiday Quiz — The Scarlet Letter

What public occasion brings the community together in the marketplace at the opening of Chapter 21?

• A public execution
• The installation of a new Governor
• A church dedication ceremony
• A military parade for departing soldiers

Hester faces the crowd voluntarily on Election Day because she believes it will be the last time she wears the scarlet letter.

What does Hawthorne compare Hester's face to as she stands in the marketplace?

• A painted portrait
• A mask or a dead woman's frozen features
• A weathered stone statue
• A blank page waiting to be written

In this chapter, the word "inquietude" most closely means:

• Deep sorrow
• Restlessness and unease
• Intellectual curiosity
• Stubborn defiance

Which observation does Pearl make about Dimmesdale's contradictory behavior?

• He preaches against sin but commits it himself
• He embraces them in private but ignores them in public
• He claims to be healthy while clearly being ill
• He praises Chillingworth while fearing him

Pearl asks her mother whether the blacksmith has washed his face for the holiday.

According to Hawthorne, why were the Puritans' celebrations so restrained compared to their English ancestors?

• They lacked the wealth for elaborate festivities
• They compressed all allowable joy into austere, muted holidays
• The colonial government banned public entertainment
• The harsh climate prevented outdoor celebrations

Why does the town beadle interrupt the broadsword and buckler exhibition?

• The combatants were injuring each other
• It was taking place on the pillory platform, a consecrated place of law
• The noise was disturbing the Governor's procession
• Weapons were banned during public holidays

The word "animadversion" as used in this chapter most closely means:

• Lively interest
• Physical aggression
• Strong criticism or disapproval
• Careful observation

The sailors from the Spanish Main freely smoke tobacco and drink alcohol in the marketplace without punishment.

What devastating news does the shipmaster deliver to Hester?

• The ship's departure has been delayed indefinitely
• Dimmesdale has cancelled his passage
• Chillingworth has booked passage on the same ship
• The authorities have been alerted to her escape plan

Hester openly breaks down in distress when she learns Chillingworth will be on the ship.

What does the "magic circle" of empty space around Hester in the marketplace symbolize?

• The townspeople's fear of witchcraft
• Her moral isolation imposed by the scarlet letter
• Her physical weakness and illness
• The crowd's growing admiration for her

What action concludes Chapter 21?

• Dimmesdale delivers his Election Day sermon
• Chillingworth smiles at Hester across the marketplace with fearful meaning
• Pearl runs away into the crowd
• The Governor's procession begins marching