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The Scarlet Letter
The Scarlet Letter

Chapter VII · Chapter 7

Chapter 7 of The Scarlet Letter is here in full — 147 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Scarlet Letter
Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
In the array of funerals, toowhether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivorsthere was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
Baby-linenfor babies then wore robes of stateafforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Scarlet Letter

Chapter VII · Chapter 7

Chapter 7 of The Scarlet Letter is here in full — 147 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/29 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
Line 2
Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
Line 3
In the array of funerals, toowhether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivorsthere was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
Line 4
Baby-linenfor babies then wore robes of stateafforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
Line 5
By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

All words in this reading · 122

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

a

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

afforded

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.

all

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

allowed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

and

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

another

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.

apparel

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

array

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

as

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

assuming

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

babies

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.

Baby-linen

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.

bands

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

be

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

became

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

body

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

but

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

by

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

ceremonial

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

ceremonies

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

characteristic

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

cloth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

could

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

dead

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

deemed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

Deep

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

degrees

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

demand

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

devices

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

dignified

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

emblematic

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

embroidered

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

emolument

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.

even

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

extravagances

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

fashion

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

for

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

forbade

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

forms

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

frequent

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

funerals

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

give

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

gloves

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

gorgeously

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

government

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

handiwork

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

her

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

Hester

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

in

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

individuals

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

installation

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

itself

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

labour

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

lawn

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

laws

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

magistrates

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

magnificence

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

majesty

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

manifested

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

manifold

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

marked

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

matter

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

men

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

necessary

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

new

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

not

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

now

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

of

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

official

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

or

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

order

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

ordinations

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

painfully

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

people

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

plebeian

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

policy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

possibility

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.

power

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

Prynne

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

Public

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

rank

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

readily

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

reins

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

robes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.

ruffs

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

sable

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

similar

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

slowly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

snowy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

sombre

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

sorrow

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

state

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

stately

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

still

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.

studied

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

such

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

sumptuary

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

supply

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

survivors

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

termed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

that

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

the

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

then

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.

there

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

these

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

to

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

toil

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.

too

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

typify

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

very

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

was

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

wealth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

well-conducted

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

were

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

what

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

whether

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.

which

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

while

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

wore

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.

would

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.

wrought

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.

yet

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.

Chapter 7 of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne holds 147 sentences, grouped into 30 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 7 of The Scarlet Letter contain?

Chapter 7 holds 147 sentences of The Scarlet Letter, unabridged, divided into 30 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 7 of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 147 sentences, grouped into 30 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 7 of The Scarlet Letter?

Work through the 30 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 30 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 7 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 7 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Scarlet Letter

Common questions about reading The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Scarlet Letter?

Yes. All 3286 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #33 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Scarlet Letter is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #33, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Scarlet Letter take to read?

About 273 minutes of reading across 658 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Scarlet Letter section by section

How to work through The Scarlet Letter section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 24 chapters of The Scarlet Letter to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Scarlet Letter

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Scarlet Letter, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Little
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Scarlet Letter; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Remarkable
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Scarlet Letter; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Though
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Scarlet Letter; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Disinclined
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Scarlet Letter; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.