The Scarlet Letter: Chapter 4
Guess first. Then read the summary. Then open the answers.
Chapter questions
- Question 1 · Recall
What is the name of the jailer?
Answer in your head or on paper first
Show answer
Master Brackett.Reference: Chapter 4, Hester back in the prison
- Question 2 · Recall
What does the physician give the baby, and what happens next?
Answer in your head or on paper first
Show answer
A medicinal draught from his leather case, and the child soon falls into a peaceful sleep.Reference: Chapter 4, the treatment of the child
- Question 3 · Recall
What does Chillingworth make Hester swear never to reveal?
Answer in your head or on paper first
Show answer
That she ever called him her husband.Reference: Chapter 4, the binding agreement
- Question 4 · Why
Why does the jailer send for a physician?
Answer in your head or on paper first
Show answer
Hester has come back in a state of nervous agitation that threatens harm to herself and her baby.Reference: Chapter 4, Hester returns to prison
- Question 5 · Why
Why does Hester hesitate before drinking the cup he prepares for her?
Answer in your head or on paper first
Show answer
She suspects the cup may hold poison.Reference: Chapter 4, the treatment of Hester
Chapter summary
Hester returns to prison in such an agitated state that the jailer, Master Brackett, fears for her and the baby. He fetches a physician skilled in both Christian medicine and native remedies. This is Roger Chillingworth, the stranger from the crowd. He asks to be left alone with his patient, and Brackett complies, surprised at how quickly she calms down.
Chillingworth treats the suffering infant with a draught from his leather case, and the baby sleeps. He then prepares another drink for Hester. She suspects poison, but she drinks it.
Then he reveals that he is her husband. He admits a share of the blame, but he demands the name of her lover. Hester refuses. He says he will find the man anyway. He makes her swear never to reveal that he is her husband. As he leaves, he smiles and tells her that he will not have her soul.
Come back in a few days and try these 5 again before you open the answers.
Study your own books on Mind86
Study a whole book from your own copy. Upload your own copy after you sign up.
Create an account