self-torment
self-imposed distress
She goes to Chillingworth and asks him to stop adding
to Dimmesdale’s self-torment.
customhouse
a government building where customs are collected and where ships are cleared to enter or leave the country
The
nameless narrator was the surveyor of the customhouse in Salem,
Massachusetts.
scarlet
a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge
T he Scarlet Letter opens
with a long preamble about how the book came to be written.
impish
naughtily or annoyingly playful
Hester supports herself by working as a seamstress, and Pearl
grows into a willful, impish child.
reprieve
postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution
In the meantime, Hester’s charitable deeds and
quiet humility have earned her a reprieve from the scorn of the community.
preamble
a preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution (usually explaining its purpose)
T he Scarlet Letter opens
with a long preamble about how the book came to be written.
harangue
a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
On this day Hester is led to the town scaffold and harangued by
the town fathers, but she again refuses to identify her child’s
father.
humility
a disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride
In the meantime, Hester’s charitable deeds and
quiet humility have earned her a reprieve from the scorn of the community.
scorn
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
In the meantime, Hester’s charitable deeds and
quiet humility have earned her a reprieve from the scorn of the community.
wearing
(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)
Many years later, Hester returns alone, still wearing the
scarlet letter, to live in her old cottage and resume her
charitable work.
flee
run away quickly
The former lovers decide to
flee to Europe, where they can live with Pearl as a family.
policy
a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
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