The Scarlet Letter, Part 2

Question 5 • HVA 26-27 IM English ELA 11 A

Which excerpt from Chapter 3 of The Scarlet Letter is the best evidence that the stranger in the marketplace wants to keep his true identity a secret?

Answer

When he found the eyes of Hester Prynne fastened on his own, and saw that she appeared to recognize him, he slowly and calmly raised his finger, made a gesture with it in the air, and laid it on his lips.

By the Indian’s side, and evidently sustaining a companionship with him, stood a white man, clad in a strange disarray of civilized and savage costume.

A writhing horror twisted itself across his features, like a snake gliding swiftly over them, and making one little pause, with all its wreathed intervolutions in open sight.

There was a remarkable intelligence in his features, as of a person who had so cultivated his mental part that it could not fail to mould the physical to itself, and become manifest by unmistakable tokens.

Explanation

The stranger notices that Hester recognizes him, then puts a finger to his lips in a gesture asking her to remain silent. This directly shows that he wants to conceal who he is. Choice A is the best evidence; the other excerpts describe his appearance or expression without showing him trying to keep his identity secret.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

More from this Course

The Scarlet Letter

Dark Hauntings: "The Fall of the House of Usher"

Quiz

10 verified answers

The Scarlet Letter