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Quizzes > Books & Literature

The Scarlet Letter quiz: test your knowledge of the novel

Quick, free Scarlet Letter test with instant results and helpful feedback.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Srinivas TanguturiUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a Scarlet Letter quiz on a teal background

This quiz on The Scarlet Letter helps you review plot, symbols, and characters, and spot gaps fast. Get instant feedback, then try a Scarlet Letter practice test for extra practice, or switch gears with a Pride and Prejudice quiz and a Lord of the Flies quiz.

Who is the protagonist of The Scarlet Letter?
Pearl
Hester Prynne
Roger Chillingworth
Arthur Dimmesdale
Hester Prynne is the central character who endures public shaming for adultery and wears the scarlet letter on her chest. Her personal journey and resilience drive the novel's narrative and thematic depth. She is often discussed as one of American literature's first strong female protagonists. Read more on .
What symbol does Hester wear on her clothing?
A black letter "A"
A scarlet letter "B"
A golden letter "A"
A scarlet letter "A"
The scarlet letter "A" stands for adultery and is the town's method of publicly shaming Hester. It becomes a complex symbol of sin, identity, and resilience as the novel progresses. Hawthorne uses its color and form to draw attention to societal judgment. More analysis is available at .
Where is the story of The Scarlet Letter primarily set?
New York Colony
The Virginia Colony
The Rhode Island Colony
The Massachusetts Bay Colony
The novel takes place in the Massachusetts Bay Colony during the mid-17th century, reflecting Puritan society and its strict moral codes. The setting underscores themes of sin, guilt, and public punishment. Hawthorne uses historical context to critique moral hypocrisy. For historical background, see .
What crime is Hester Prynne convicted of?
Murder
Blasphemy
Adultery
Theft
Hester is found guilty of adultery after bearing an illegitimate child, which was a severe moral and legal offense in Puritan society. The scarlet letter is her punishment and constant reminder of this sin. Hawthorne explores how society's judgment contrasts with personal conscience. Further reading is at .
What is the name of Hester Prynne's daughter?
Violet
Lily
Pearl
Rose
Hester names her daughter Pearl, symbolizing her great price and the living embodiment of her sin and perseverance. Pearl's unique character and relationship with nature reinforce her symbolic role. Her name highlights themes of value and sacrifice. More on Pearl's symbolism at .
Who is revealed to be Pearl's father?
Arthur Dimmesdale
Roger Chillingworth
Governor Bellingham
Reverend Wilson
Arthur Dimmesdale, the young minister, is Pearl's father, though this fact remains hidden for much of the novel and torments him privately. His guilt and secret sin drive pivotal plot developments and themes of confession. Hawthorne contrasts Dimmesdale's hidden shame with Hester's public punishment. Detailed discussion is at .
In what year was The Scarlet Letter first published?
1850
1860
1845
1835
Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter was first published in 1850 and has since become a classic of American literature. Its publication coincided with growing interest in American Romanticism and historical fiction. The novel's critical reception has evolved over time, cementing its canonical status. Publication history is detailed at .
Who is Roger Chillingworth in relation to Hester?
Her cousin
Her estranged husband
Her brother
Her father
Chillingworth arrives in the colony and discovers Hester has been unfaithful, later revealing himself as her long-lost husband. His transformation into a figure of vengeance drives much of the novel's conflict. Hawthorne uses Chillingworth to explore themes of revenge and moral corruption. More context at .
What do the townspeople infer the scarlet letter represents?
Blasphemy
Theft
Murder
Adultery
The Puritan townspeople see the scarlet letter solely as a mark of adultery, reflecting their strict moral code and desire to punish transgression. Hawthorne layers this simple interpretation with deeper themes of identity and redemption. The public's harsh judgment contrasts with private suffering. See analysis at .
Which character admonishes Dimmesdale with the words, "Be not silent from any mistaken pity and tenderness for him"?
Roger Chillingworth
Pearl
Governor Bellingham
Hester Prynne
Hester urges Dimmesdale to publicly confess his own sin rather than remain silent out of misplaced pity for Chillingworth. This quote underscores her evolving moral courage and desire for shared accountability. It highlights Hawthorne's theme of truth versus concealment. For context, see .
Who is the governor of the colony featured in the novel?
Governor Winthrop
Governor Bradford
Governor Endicott
Governor Bellingham
Governor Bellingham is the colonial official who enforces Puritan law and presides over Hester's punishment. His character embodies the intersection of civil and religious authority. Hawthorne uses him to critique the rigidity of institutional power. More details at .
How does Hester earn money to support herself and Pearl?
By teaching school
By working as a seamstress
By selling candles
By growing vegetables
Hester uses her exceptional needlework skills to sew garments for the townspeople, which provides her and Pearl with the means to live. Her craftsmanship earns both admiration and scorn because of her public disgrace. This duality reinforces themes of creativity and resilience. Read more at .
Which minister in the story struggles intensely with his hidden guilt?
Roger Chillingworth
Arthur Dimmesdale
Governor Bellingham
Reverend Wilson
Arthur Dimmesdale is consumed by guilt for fathering Pearl and failing to confess, which manifests as both physical illness and psychological torment. His internal struggle contrasts with Hester's open punishment. Hawthorne uses this dynamic to examine conscience and hypocrisy. Detailed character study at .
How does Hester maintain her composure during her public shaming on the scaffold?
By begging forgiveness profusely
By covering her face in shame
By standing tall and dignified
By fainting immediately
Rather than shrieking or pleading, Hester holds herself with quiet dignity during the public shaming, which surprises the community and reveals her inner strength. This composure foreshadows her resilience in the novel. Hawthorne uses this moment to challenge typical reactions to public humiliation. More analysis at .
Which character serves as the community physician?
Arthur Dimmesdale
Reverend Wilson
Governor Bellingham
Roger Chillingworth
Roger Chillingworth assumes the role of physician to get close to Dimmesdale and investigate the minister's ailment. His medical expertise becomes a tool for psychological manipulation rather than healing. Hawthorne critiques the misuse of knowledge and medicine through this character. See more at .
In Chapter 6, what does Hester recognize in the traveler's glance?
That he is a stranger with no ties to her
That he is Governor Bellingham
That he is Reverend Wilson
That he is her long-lost husband, Roger Chillingworth
Hester realizes the new physician's familiar look and deduces he is her estranged husband, Roger Chillingworth, seeking revenge. This moment heightens the tension and sets up the conflict between personal vengeance and public morality. Hawthorne builds suspense by withholding this identity from the reader initially. Read more at .
Why is Pearl often referred to as an "elf child"?
Because she has magical powers
Because she lives in the forest
Because of her wild, otherworldly behavior
Because she helps fairies
Pearl's impish antics, unpredictable reactions, and connection to nature give her an almost supernatural or elfin quality in the eyes of the Puritans. This label underscores her role as both blessing and reminder of sin. Hawthorne uses Pearl to explore themes of innocence and rebellion. More insight at .
What does Pearl do when she sees Dimmesdale standing on the scaffold at night?
She runs away in fear
She cries and refuses to approach
She takes his hand and laughs
She stands silently
Pearl playfully reaches for Dimmesdale's hand and giggles, displaying her innocence and instinctive connection to both parents. This nightly meeting reveals Dimmesdale's private guilt and Pearl's uncanny perception of her father. It foreshadows their intertwined fates. More at .
What does Dimmesdale clutch against his chest during his vigil on the scaffold?
A rosary
A hidden dagger
A scroll of confession
His hand over his heart
Dimmesdale presses his hand to his heart, symbolizing both physical pain from his concealed guilt and his emotional anguish. Hawthorne uses this gesture to connect the minister's internal torment with the scarlet letter's branding of Hester. The motif recurs as a sign of hidden sin. More on symbolism at .
Who presides over Hester's public interrogation after her punishment?
Arthur Dimmesdale and Roger Chillingworth
Roger Chillingworth and Governor Bellingham
Reverend Wilson and Arthur Dimmesdale
Governor Bellingham and Reverend Wilson
Governor Bellingham and Reverend Wilson jointly question Hester on her sin, representing the blend of civil and religious authority in Puritan society. Their interrogation highlights the collective moral codes that govern individual behavior. Hawthorne critiques the harshness of institutional power through this scene. See more at .
What does the prison door symbolize at the beginning of the novel?
The town's hospitality
The severity of Puritan justice
The community's wealth
The door to redemption
The heavy, weather-stained prison door represents the harsh, unforgiving nature of Puritan law and the inevitability of punishment. Its early presence sets a tone of severity and moral rigidity. Hawthorne contrasts this with the living, blooming rosebush nearby. Analysis available at .
Which color frequently contrasts with the scarlet letter in Hawthorne's descriptions?
White
Black
Green
Blue
White often appears in the novel to symbolize purity and innocence, creating a stark contrast with the scarlet letter's connotations of sin. Hawthorne uses this color opposition to question societal labels and true morality. The interplay of colors deepens thematic complexity. For more, see .
What does the rosebush near the prison door symbolize in the opening chapter?
Law and order
Mercy and hope amid punishment
Wealth and prosperity
Fear and decay
The rosebush symbolizes nature's sympathy and the possibility of grace even in a strict, punitive environment. Hawthorne positions it beside the prison door to contrast moral severity with compassion. This motif recurs to remind readers of innate human kindness. More interpretation at .
Which narrative technique does Hawthorne employ by beginning the novel in medias res?
Using only first-person perspective
Starting with a full background history
Opening in the midst of action to engage readers
Presenting events chronologically from birth
Hawthorne begins in medias res, dropping readers into Hester's public shaming without preliminary exposition. This technique creates immediate intrigue and emphasizes the moral and emotional stakes. It also mirrors Pearl's sudden appearance as a living consequence. Analysis available at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Character Motivations -

    Analyze the desires and conflicts driving Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth to deepen your insight into their roles.

  2. Analyze Plot Twists -

    Trace the novel's pivotal events and plot developments to reinforce your readiness for the scarlet letter quiz.

  3. Interpret Key Themes and Symbols -

    Explore core ideas like sin, redemption, and identity as reflected in Hawthorne's symbols, including the scarlet letter itself.

  4. Summarize Chapter 6 -

    Provide a clear summary of the scarlet letter chapter 6 events and explain its significance within the overall narrative.

  5. Apply Critical Thinking to Quiz Questions -

    Develop strategies to tackle diverse question types and boost your performance on the scarlet letter exam.

  6. Prepare for Book Test Success -

    Consolidate essential details and themes to excel in any scarlet letter book test or academic discussion.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Symbolism of the Scarlet Letter -

    Understanding how the letter "A" evolves from "Adultery" to "Able" is key for any scarlet letter quiz. Scholars at Cambridge University Press highlight that Hawthorne uses color imagery and shifting public perception to deepen this symbol, so remember: A = Adversity to Acceptance.

  2. Hester Prynne's Character Arc -

    Review Hester's journey from public shame to moral strength, a point often tested on a scarlet letter test. According to research in the Journal of American Literature, her embroidered "A" becomes a marker of resilience - try the mnemonic "P.R.Y.N.N.E." (Perseverance, Redemption, Yielding, Nobility, Nurture, Empathy).

  3. Major Themes: Sin, Redemption, and Identity -

    Tests on the scarlet letter exam frequently ask how sin and redemption shape identity; Hawthorne contrasts public judgment with private guilt. Use the "S.R.I." formula (Sin → Reckoning → Identity) to recall how each act of confession refines character arcs.

  4. Summary of the Scarlet Letter Chapter 6 -

    Chapter 6, set in Governor Bellingham's hall, introduces Pearl's wild spirit and Hester's protective love - essential for a scarlet letter book test. University of Rochester literary archives note that Pearl's actions mirror her mother's defiance, making her a living emblem of both sin and innocence.

  5. Hawthorne's Narrative Style and Context -

    Recognize Hawthorne's use of Romanticism and Puritan theology to frame moral conflict, a common focus on a scarlet letter quiz. The Princeton Review of American Fiction emphasizes his ornate prose and historical preface - remember the "H.P.N." keys (History, Psychology, Nature) to discuss his stylistic layers.

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