86 words to know before reading The Scarlet Letter

1. An introduction to a book or speech.
2. A preliminary statement or explanation.

Preface to the Second Edition Much to the author’s surprise, and (if he may say so without additional

1. A bright red color with a slightly orange tinge.
2. A type of high-quality woolen cloth, often dyed red.

to his amusement, he finds that his sketch of official life, introductory to The Scarlet Letter, has created an unprecedented excitement in the respectable community immediately around

1. Never done or known before; without previous example.
2. Unmatched or unparalleled in history or experience.

that his sketch of official life, introductory to The Scarlet Letter, has created an unprecedented excitement in the respectable community immediately around him. It could hardly have been more

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

in the respectable community immediately around him. It could hardly have been more violent, indeed, had he burned down the Customhouse, and quenched its last smoking ember in the blood of a

1. Satisfied a thirst or desire.
2. Cooled rapidly, especially metal or glass to harden.

It could hardly have been more violent, indeed, had he burned down the Customhouse, and quenched its last smoking ember in the blood of a certain venerable personage, against whom he is supposed

1. A small piece of burning or glowing coal or wood in a dying fire.
2. A remaining trace or fragment of something past.

been more violent, indeed, had he burned down the Customhouse, and quenched its last smoking ember in the blood of a certain venerable personage, against whom he is supposed to cherish a peculiar

1. Respected due to age, wisdom, or character.
2. Worthy of reverence, especially in religious contexts.

on the road to Paradise. The greater part of my officers were Whigs. It was well for their venerable brotherhood that the new Surveyor was not a politician, and though a faithful Democrat in

1. To hold dear; feel or show love for.
2. To care for tenderly; nurture.

were brought to the truth by the efficacy of that sermon, and vowed within themselves to cherish a holy gratitude towards Mr. Dimmesdale throughout the long hereafter. But, as he came down the

1. Strange or unusual in a way that is surprising or noticeable.
2. Distinctive or unique to a particular person, place, or thing.

its course, that the women, of whom there were several in the crowd, appeared to take a peculiar interest in whatever penal infliction might be expected to ensue. The age had not so much

1. The state or quality of having ill will or wishing harm to others.
2. A malicious or spiteful attitude or behavior.

well be that the physician was not careful then, as at all other times, to hide the malevolence with which he looked upon his victim. Certainly, if the meteor kindled up the sky, and disclosed

1. Strong disapproval or condemnation.
2. Moral or social censure.

against whom he is supposed to cherish a peculiar malevolence. As the public disapprobation would weigh very heavily on him, were he conscious of deserving it, the author begs leave to say,

1. To erase or remove completely.
2. To strike out or delete (as in a record).

to say, that he has carefully read over the introductory pages, with a purpose to alter or expunge whatever might be found amiss, and to make the best reparation in his power for the atrocities of

1. A large, imposing house, especially one belonging to a minister or clergyman.
2. (Historical) The dwelling of a landowner or lord.

freshness and activity of thought the moment that I stepped across the threshold of the Old Manse. The same torpor, as regarded the capacity for intellectual effort, accompanied me home, and

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

vixenly as she looks, many people are seeking, at this very moment, to shelter themselves under the wing of the federal eagle; imagining, I presume, that her bosom has all the softness

1. A large, imposing building or structure.
2. A complex system or organization.

through the ceiling, and forms a medium of vocal communication with other parts of the edifice. And here, some six months ago—pacing from corner to corner, or lounging on the long-legged

1. A large, densely packed crowd of people or animals.
2. To gather or fill a place in large numbers.

I The Prison-Door A throng of bearded men, in sad-colored garments, and gray, steeple-crowned hats, intermixed with women,

1. Clothing items, especially those of a particular type or for a specific purpose.
2. Articles of dress or attire, such as shirts, dresses, or coats.

I The Prison-Door A throng of bearded men, in sad-colored garments, and gray, steeple-crowned hats, intermixed with women, some wearing hoods and others bareheaded,

1. A tall tower on a church, often topped with a spire.
2. A pointed structure or peak resembling a church steeple.

I The Prison-Door A throng of bearded men, in sad-colored garments, and gray, steeple-crowned hats, intermixed with women, some wearing hoods and others bareheaded, was assembled in

1. Covered with trees; wooded.
2. Made of or constructed with timber or wood.

bareheaded, was assembled in front of a wooden edifice, the door of which was heavily timbered with oak, and studded with iron spikes. The founders of a new colony, whatever Utopia of human

1. Decorated with studs or small protruding ornaments.
2. Covered or scattered with numerous small objects or features.

assembled in front of a wooden edifice, the door of which was heavily timbered with oak, and studded with iron spikes. The founders of a new colony, whatever Utopia of human virtue and happiness

1. People who establish an organization, company, or institution.
2. The creators or originators of an idea, movement, or system.

instituted, with reference to the annual installation of magistrates. The fathers and founders of the commonwealth—the statesman, the priest, and the soldier—deemed it a duty then to assume

1. An imagined perfect society or place.
2. A visionary system of political or social perfection.

timbered with oak, and studded with iron spikes. The founders of a new colony, whatever Utopia of human virtue and happiness they might originally project, have invariably recognized it among

1. Ancestors or predecessors, especially in a family or lineage.
2. Founders or early leaders of a nation, movement, or organization.

and to win myself a pleasant memory in this abode and burial-place of so many of my forefathers—there has never been, for me, the genial atmosphere which a literary man requires, in order to

1. The area near or surrounding a particular place.
2. The state of being close in space or relationship.

not flee. On the outskirts of the town, within the verge of the peninsula, but not in close vicinity to any other habitation, there was a small thatched cottage. It had been built by an earlier

1. Gathered or assembled together in a group.
2. Came together for a common purpose or activity.

lot, and round about his grave, which subsequently became the nucleus of all the congregated sepulchres in the old churchyard of King’s Chapel. Certain it is, that, some fifteen or twenty

1. A shrub that produces roses, typically with thorny stems and fragrant flowers.
2. A cultivated or wild plant of the genus Rosa, grown for its ornamental blooms.

roses, as Pearl stood outside of the window; together with her recollection of the prison rosebush, which she had passed in coming hither. Old Roger Chillingworth, with a smile on his face,

1. A temporary structure used to support workers and materials during construction or repair.
2. A raised platform for public executions.

therefore, Hester Prynne passed through this portion of her ordeal, and came to a sort of scaffold, at the western extremity of the marketplace. It stood nearly beneath the eaves of Boston’s

1. (adjective) Harsh, strict, or severe in manner or appearance.
2. (noun) The rear part of a ship or boat.

strange chance, has been kept alive in history; but whether it had merely survived out of the stern old wilderness, so long after the fall of the gigantic pines and oaks that originally

1. Judicial officers who handle minor legal cases and preliminary hearings.
2. Civil officers administering the law in a local court.

now here in a knot together, would she come off with such a sentence as the worshipful magistrates have awarded? Marry, I trow not!” “People say,” said another, “that the Reverend Master

1. A formal dress, typically worn for special occasions.
2. A loose robe worn by professionals like doctors or judges.

that would not be abashed, looked around at her townspeople and neighbors. On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of

1. The chest or breast of a person, especially a woman.
2. The part of a garment covering the chest.

in this beautiful woman, so picturesque in her attire and mien, and with the infant at her bosom, an object to remind him of the image of Divine Maternity, which so many illustrious painters

1. (archaic) Third person singular present of 'have'.
2. (poetic/literary) Used to indicate possession or obligation.

Madam Hester’s rich gown off her dainty shoulders; and as for the red letter, which she hath stitched so curiously, I’ll bestow a rag of mine own rheumatic flannel, to make a fitter one!”

1. A platform projecting from the wall of a building, enclosed by a railing or parapet.
2. An upper level in a theater or auditorium with seating.

poor sinner’s soul?” There was a murmur among the dignified and reverend occupants of the balcony; and Governor Bellingham gave expression to its purport, speaking in an authoritative voice,

1. A title of respect for a member of the clergy.
2. Used as a form of address for certain Christian ministers or priests.

momentous to thine own, in whose charge hers is. Exhort her to confess the truth!” The Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale bent his head, in silent prayer, as it seemed, and then came forward. “Hester

1. A male member of the clergy, such as a priest, minister, or pastor.
2. An ordained religious leader in a Christian church.

Prynne, looking, not at Mr. Wilson, but into the deep and troubled eyes of the younger clergyman. “It is too deeply branded. Ye cannot take it off. And would that I might endure his agony, as

1. Belonging to you (archaic or poetic form of "your").
2. Short for "thyroid" in medical contexts (informal).

will thereby be made more effectual to salvation, I charge thee to speak out the name of thy fellow-sinner and fellow-sufferer! Be not silent from any mistaken pity and tenderness for him;

1. For fear that (conjunction)
2. Used to express concern or caution

of her bosom. She was patient—a martyr, indeed—but she forbore to pray for her enemies; lest, in spite of her forgiving aspirations, the words of the blessing should stubbornly twist

1. A current of cool air in a room or other confined space.
2. The depth of water a ship needs to float.

and cold—and, finally, satisfied with his investigation, proceeded to mingle another draught. “I know not Lethe nor Nepenthe,” remarked he; “but I have learned many new secrets in the

1. Belonging to thee; your (archaic or poetic form of "yours").
2. Used before a vowel or h in place of "thy" (archaic or poetic form of "your").

babe? The medicine is potent for good; and were it my child—yea, mine own, as well as thine!—I could do no better for it.” As she still hesitated, being, in fact, in no reasonable state of

1. (archaic) You (singular), used as the object of a verb or preposition.
2. (poetic) A form of 'you' in older or religious texts.

and that thy earthly punishment will thereby be made more effectual to salvation, I charge thee to speak out the name of thy fellow-sinner and fellow-sufferer! Be not silent from any mistaken

1. Relating to or characterized by an abnormal interest in disturbing or unpleasant subjects, especially death or disease.
2. In medicine, relating to disease or its symptoms.

soothing, the passion of her life. Like all other joys, she rejected it as sin. This morbid meddling of conscience with an immaterial matter betokened, it is to be feared, no genuine and

1. Hard and continuous work; laborious effort.
2. To work strenuously or laboriously.

what was really of no advantage nor delight to any human being, and withholding myself from toil that would, at least, have stilled an unquiet impulse in me. Then, moreover, as regarded his

1. Dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing.
2. Causing sadness or gloom.

was suspended and inanimate within me. There would have been something sad, unutterably dreary, in all this, had I not been conscious that it lay at my own option to recall whatever was

1. Severe mental or physical pain or suffering.
2. Extreme distress or torment.

danger of forgetting it, was often brought before her vivid self-perception, like a new anguish, by the rudest touch upon the tenderest spot. The poor, as we have already said, whom she sought

1. A distinctive or unusual feature or characteristic.
2. Something odd or strange in behavior or appearance.

of her spirit, the desperate recklessness of her mood, by its wild and picturesque peculiarity. But the point which drew all eyes, and, as it were, transfigured the wearer—so that both men

1. A small, simple house, typically in a rural or semi-rural area.
2. A vacation home, often in a scenic location.

A clump of scrubby trees, such as alone grew on the peninsula, did not so much conceal the cottage from view, as seem to denote that here was some object which would fain have been, or at least

1. A large, impressive house, often the residence of a wealthy or prominent person.
2. In some contexts, a block of flats or apartments, especially in British English.

VII The Governor’s Hall Hester Prynne went, one day, to the mansion of Governor Bellingham, with a pair of gloves, which she had fringed and embroidered to his

1. Decorated with needlework using thread or yarn.
2. Adorned with intricate patterns or designs stitched onto fabric.

whispered their youngest companion; “do not let her hear you! Not a stitch in that embroidered letter but she has felt it in her heart.” The grim beadle now made a gesture with his staff.

1. Intense or aggressive in nature.
2. Violent or forceful in action.

cause!—to observe, in one so young, this constant recognition of an adverse world, and so fierce a training of the energies that were to make good her cause, in the contest that must ensue.

1. Clothing or attire, especially of a distinctive or special kind.
2. To dress in a particular outfit or style.

by unmistakable tokens. Although, by a seemingly careless arrangement of his heterogeneous garb, he had endeavored to conceal or abate the peculiarity, it was sufficiently evident to Hester

1. Having knowledge or experience of something.
2. Familiar with someone or something.

face from the too vivid light of day; because its existence, heretofore, had brought it acquainted only with the gray twilight of a dungeon, or other darksome apartment of the prison. When the

1. A medicine or drug, especially a cathartic or laxative.
2. The art or practice of healing; medicine.

people—that Heaven had wrought an absolute miracle, by transporting an eminent Doctor of Physic, from a German university, bodily through the air, and setting him down at the door of Mr.

1. Clearly visible or obvious.
2. A list of cargo or passengers on a ship, plane, etc.

his mental part that it could not fail to mould the physical to itself, and become manifest by unmistakable tokens. Although, by a seemingly careless arrangement of his heterogeneous garb,

1. Intense physical or mental suffering.
2. Extreme distress or pain.

a journey of some length; for, haughty as her demeanor was, she perchance underwent an agony from every footstep of those that thronged to see her, as if her heart had been flung into the

1. A raised platform or lectern in a church where a preacher delivers a sermon.
2. A position of authority or influence, especially in religious matters.

taste for all good and comfortable things; and however stern he might show himself in the pulpit, or in his public reproof of such transgressions as that of Hester Prynne, still the genial

1. The highest point in the sky reached by the sun or moon.
2. The peak or climax of something.

the street. But he clasped both his hands over his breast, and cast his eyes towards the zenith. Nothing was more common, in those days, than to interpret all meteoric appearances, and other

1. To this place (adverb).
2. Toward the speaker or a specified place (adverb).

military service, subsequently to which he had ruled over a wild Western territory, had come hither, twenty years before, to spend the decline of his varied and honorable life. The brave soldier

1. Public shame or disgrace.
2. Dishonorable or humiliating conduct.

human head in its tight grasp, and thus hold it up to the public gaze. The very ideal of ignominy was embodied and made manifest in this contrivance of wood and iron. There can be no outrage,

1. Repayment or compensation for a service, favor, or injury.
2. Retaliation or revenge for a wrong done.

to every demand of poverty; even though the bitter-hearted pauper threw back a gibe in requital of the food brought regularly to his door, or the garments wrought for him by the fingers that

1. The edge or border of something (e.g., "the verge of the forest").
2. A point where something is about to happen (e.g., "on the verge of tears").

into men and women. Glancing at the looking-glass, we behold—deep within its haunted verge—the smouldering glow of the half-extinguished anthracite, the white moonbeams on the floor, and

1. Gentleness or kindness in manner or touch.
2. Sensitivity to pain or discomfort.

of the moonbeams, and communicates, as it were, a heart and sensibilities of human tenderness to the forms which fancy summons up. It converts them from snow-images into men and women.

1. Officially appointed or consecrated for religious duties, such as a priest or minister.
2. Decreed or ordered by authority.

its badge of shame, was but the softer pillow for the head that needed one. She was self-ordained a Sister of Mercy; or, we may rather say, the world’s heavy hand had so ordained her, when

1. At or in a distance (often indicating something within sight but far away).
2. Over there; in that place.

Prynne’s—have I her name rightly?—of this woman’s offences, and what has brought her to yonder scaffold?” “Truly, friend; and methinks it must gladden your heart, after your troubles and

1. An evil spirit or demon.
2. A wicked or cruel person.

crimson in her cheeks; as if her purity were somewhat sullied by that momentary glance. O Fiend, whose talisman was that fatal symbol, wouldst thou leave nothing, whether in youth or age, for

1. To become limp or droop, typically due to lack of water.
2. To lose strength, energy, or vigor.

clasped her hands over her heart, dreading lest he should read the secret there at once. “Thou wilt not reveal his name? Not the less he is mine,” resumed he, with a look of confidence, as if

1. Looked steadily and intently, often with admiration or curiosity.
2. Stared fixedly for a long time, sometimes absentmindedly.

how to seek it in another. At last, her shot being all expended, the child stood still and gazed at Hester, with that little, laughing image of a fiend peeping out—or, whether it peeped or no,

1. Plants used for flavoring, food, medicine, or fragrance.
2. Leaves, seeds, or flowers of such plants.

and likewise familiar with whatever the savage people could teach, in respect to medicinal herbs and roots that grew in the forest. To say the truth, there was much need of professional

1. Until now or until the point in time under discussion.
2. Up to this time; previously.

the poor baby, at Hester’s bosom, was affected by the same influence; for it directed its hitherto vacant gaze towards Mr. Dimmesdale, and held up its little arms, with a half-pleased,

1. Shaped or crafted with skill, especially by hammering or beating (as in metal).
2. Deeply stirred or agitated (emotionally).

frayed and defaced; so that none, or very little, of the glitter was left. It had been wrought, as was easy to perceive, with wonderful skill of needlework; and the stitch (as I am assured by

1. Moved or waved quickly and lightly (e.g., leaves, wings).
2. Felt nervous or excited (e.g., heart fluttered with joy).

gray bird, with a white breast, Pearl was almost sure, had been hit by a pebble, and fluttered away with a broken wing. But then the elf-child sighed, and gave up her sport; because it grieved

1. A piece of land almost surrounded by water but connected to the mainland.
2. A narrow stretch of land projecting into a body of water.

hills, towards the west. A clump of scrubby trees, such as alone grew on the peninsula, did not so much conceal the cottage from view, as seem to denote that here was some object which

1. A small stream or creek.
2. To tolerate or endure something (usually negative).

trees and boulders of granite seemed intent on making a mystery of the course of this small brook; fearing, perhaps, that, with its never-ceasing loquacity, it should whisper tales out of the

1. Partial or total darkness; dimness.
2. A state of melancholy or depression.

defiant mood, the flightiness of her temper, and even some of the very cloud-shapes of gloom and despondency that had brooded in her heart. They were now illuminated by the morning radiance

1. A long, loose outer garment, often worn for warmth or ceremony.
2. A bathrobe, a loose garment worn after bathing or for lounging.

door, or the garments wrought for him by the fingers that could have embroidered a monarch’s robe. None so self-devoted as Hester, when pestilence stalked through the town. In all seasons of

1. The forehead or the ridge of hair above the eye.
2. The edge of a steep place, like a cliff.

fragrance of flowers. An old soldier might be supposed to prize only the bloody laurel on his brow; but here was one who seemed to have a young girl’s appreciation of the floral tribe. There,

1. A religious discourse delivered by a clergy member during worship.
2. A moral or instructive talk or lecture.

“A wise sentence!” remarked the stranger, gravely bowing his head. “Thus she will be a living sermon against sin, until the ignominious letter be engraved upon her tombstone. It irks me,

1. Devoutly religious or reverent.
2. Showing earnest devotion to a moral or spiritual principle.

for their country’s service, as I verily believe it was—withdrew to a better world. It is a pious consolation to me, that, through my interference, a sufficient space was allowed them for

1. Serious and dignified in manner or behavior.
2. Deeply sincere or earnest.

to turn the matter into ridicule, it must have been repressed and overpowered by the solemn presence of men no less dignified than the Governor, and several of his counsellors, a judge, a

1. A large number of people or things.
2. The state of being many or numerous.

it had repeated her name more than once, in a loud and solemn tone, audible to the whole multitude. “Hearken unto me, Hester Prynne!” said the voice. It has already been noticed, that directly

1. Not flexible; stiff and unyielding.
2. Strict or severe in rules or discipline.

on an erring woman’s heart, and disentangling its mesh of good and evil, than the sages of rigid aspect towards whom Hester Prynne now turned her face. She seemed conscious, indeed, that

1. A woman in a position of authority or control.
2. A woman having an extramarital sexual relationship with a married man.

was a life-lease, and oftentimes an heirloom. But, I charge you, in this matter of old Mistress Prynne, give to your predecessor’s memory the credit which will be rightfully due!” And I said to

1. Previously mentioned or stated.
2. Coming before in time or order.

had heard the tale from contemporary witnesses—fully confirms the view taken in the foregoing pages. Among many morals which press upon us from the poor minister’s miserable experience, we

1. People who watch an event, show, or game.
2. Observers at a public gathering or performance.

herself. “She hath good skill at her needle, that’s certain,” remarked one of her female spectators; “but did ever a woman, before this brazen hussy, contrive such a way of showing it! Why,

1. The outward appearance or apparent form of something.
2. A resemblance or similarity to something else.

mirror of Pearl’s eye. It was a face, fiend-like, full of smiling malice, yet bearing the semblance of features that she had known full well, though seldom with a smile, and never with malice in

1. Deep respect or admiration for someone or something.
2. A gesture or act showing respect, such as a bow.

such personages could constitute a part of the spectacle, without risking the majesty or reverence of rank and office, it was safely to be inferred that the infliction of a legal sentence would

1. To perceive or recognize something clearly.
2. To distinguish between different things.

Customhouse a stirring scene. More frequently, however, on ascending the steps, you would discern—in the entry, if it were summer time, or in their appropriate rooms, if wintry or inclement