The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
This novel is for the second semester of English 11. You may turn this project in to Connie or Shara at any time, but it is due when you reach 50% in your class..
Hester Prynne has committed adultery in Puritan Boston in the mid-seventeenth century. Brought out of prison with her infant daughter, and wearing an embroidered, “A” which stands for adultery on her breast, she bears the ridicule of the townspeople. As you read this novel, focus in on the setting and the characteristics of the society. Begin with defining the following vocabulary words to help you read this classic.
Vocabulary: Define each of the following words.
1. Write a brief biographical sketch of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Be sure to include information on his most recognized works.
2. Hawthorne uses many symbols in this novel. Briefly tell the importance of each of the following: the “A,” Pearl, and the forest.
3. What is irony? Even as Dimmesdale struggles with his dark secret, what is happening to his reputation as a minister?
4. Puritan society was definitely different than contemporary American society. Select five differences or similarities and discuss your opinion of each.
5. Hester broke an important rule of her society and paid a heavy price in ridicule and scorn. Although our society is not Puritanical, what are some of the laws and unwritten rules that if broken result in punishment? Select an example from current events. (Examples: Kobe Bryant, Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, etc.)
6. Over the years the townspeople’s view of Hester slowly changes. Describe the change and the reasons for it. Give examples from the novel.
7. What was Pearl like as a child? What made her that way? Give examples.
8. Describe several ways that Dimmesdale’s inner turmoil is reflected in his behavior and appearance. Why do you think he couldn’t admit his guilt to the town?
9. How does the story end? Why do you think Hawthorne included the “conclusion?
10. In your opinion, which of the characters was the most tragic and suffered the most? Use examples from the story to support your answer.
11. Three important events occur at the scaffold. Describe each and the significance to the story.
12. Once Chillingworth comes to suspect Dimmersdale, what does he do to “torture” Dimmesdale? Use specific examples from the story to support your answer.
13. Use your imagination. Continue Pearl’s story, what opinions do you think she had of her mother? Father? Society? And how did her past effect her.
14. Pretend you are Hawthorne. What lesson(s) do you hope your readers gain from reading this novel?
15. In a current television advertisement, characters in the ad have labels on their shirts stating “child abuser.” The ad concludes by stating “if only child abusers were this easy to recognize. Report any suspicion of child abuse.” Some states are considering mandatory labeling of homes where sex offenders live. There is also some support for placing a label on cars indicating that the driver has been convicted of DWI. In a well-developed essay (at least five paragraphs) state your opinion about this type of labeling by society. Be sure to reference The Scarlet Letter correctly in your essay.