1. While Mr. Wilson was describing Reverend Dimmesdale to Hester Prynne, he says, "Knowing your natural temper better than I, he [Dimmesdale] could the better judge what arguments to use... (59)". How would Dimmesdale know her "natural temper" better than him? Did they know each other before? Is that why this chapter is called "The Recognition"?
2. Dimmesdale, according to Reverend Wilson, believes it is "wronging the very nature of woman to force her to lay open her heart's secrets in such broad daylight, and in presence of so great a multidude (59)". Why does he believe it is wrong, when everyone else believes it is right? Are his morals correct?
3. What was the significance of Dimmesdale's powerful voice and "the feeling that is so evidently manifested, rather than the direct purport of the words, caused it to vibrate within all hearts, and brought the listeners into one accord of sympathy (61)"?
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