Question 9 • CMS 2026-2027 English III CREDIT RECOVERY
Read this excerpt from chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter . “This woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die. Is there not law for it? Truly there is, both in the Scripture and the statute-book. Then let the magistrates, who have made it of no effect, thank themselves if their own wives and daughters go astray!” What part of the plot does this excerpt reveal?
Answer
A
It is part of the rising action that reveals public sentiment toward Hester.
B
It is part of the exposition that introduces the townspeople.
C
It is part of the exposition that reveals the spirituality of Puritans.
D
It is part of the rising action that introduces a physical confrontation.
Explanation
The townspeople’s comments show how harshly the community judges Hester for her actions. This develops the rising action by revealing public sentiment toward her, rather than merely introducing the setting or characters. The passage describes no physical confrontation, so choice D does not fit.
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