Question: What is the setting of The Scarlet Letter?

Answer: Boston, June 1642

Question: Nathaniel Hawthorne describes a prison, a cemetery, ugly weeds, and a wild rosebush. Explain the symbolism of each of these items.

Answer: The prison represents condemned and disgraced people. The ugly weeds represent decay and repulsiveness. The wild rosebush represents the idea that beauty and goodness can be found in even the most dreary places.

Question: What is the mood of the Scarlet Letter?

Answer: The mood reflects the guiltiness and bleak emotions elicited by the Puritans.

Question: For what sin is Hester Prynne condemned?

Answer: Hester is guilty of adultery.

Question: What is the public view of Hester’s sin as expressed by the women outside the prison? What do their comments suggest about this society?

Answer: The women detest Hester for her sin and think that her punishment should be more severe than it is. Their beliefs reflect the strict adherence to religious values and morals in their society.