The Scarlet Letter By: Nathaniel Hawthorne English 11 2nd Nine Weeks Hampton High School

Author- Nathaniel Hawthorne One of the most complex and celebrated American writers in our history Was born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1804 A direct descendant of John Hawthorne, a judge at the Salem witchcraft trials. In The Custom House, his introduction to the The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne includes an appeal to remove any witches’ curses on his family.

Salem Witchcraft Trials The newly settled Puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts, exploded in 1692 with accusations of witchcraft and deviltry. Before the fear and hysteria diminished, dozens of women had been tried and executed as witches.

Salem Witchcraft Trials & Synopsis Newly settled Puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts, exploded in 1692 with accusations of witchcraft and deviltry. (Remember the Crucible…) Before the fear and hysteria diminished, dozens of women had been tried and executed as witches. This is a story about Hester Prynne’s adulterous relationship with a young minister, Arthur Dimmesdale. This novel explores the conflict between private truth and public appearances. It also explores the choice between sin and salvation.

Character Analysis

Hester Prynne Protagonist (Main Character) Had an affair with her minister Arthur Dimmesdale Her daughter Pearl is the result of the affair. Hester is married to Roger Chillingworth. Punishment- Stand on Scaffold (3 hrs.) & wear the letter “A” on her chest for the rest of her life (A-Adultery) Red with gold stitching Hester is one of the strongest and self-assured female characters in literature. The rose symbolizes Hester and her undying spirit. (Rosebush outside the prison door) She brings goodness and morality to the story. (Ex: Charitable works- people began to see the “A” to mean Able)

Hester Prynne Irony- Could have moved, but stayed to be close to Pearl’s Father (Arthur Dimmesdale) Skilled seamstress; but she is forbidden to make garments for weddings Shamed and alienated from the rest of the community, she and Pearl lived on the outskirt of town Hester is portrayed as an intelligent, capable, but not necessarily extraordinary woman Extraordinary circumstances shaping her that make her such an important figure.

Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale Minister of the Town and well respected in the community Had an affair with Hester Prynne Pearl’s Father Puts his hand over his chest when nervous or startled Allowed Roger Chillingworth to live in his home to care for him with his skills in medicine Has a red “A” on his chest burning from the inside. Assisted Hester in convincing the Gov. to allow her to keep Pearl Lives with guilt and shame because of his secret sin

Pearl Hester and Dimmesdale’s Daughter Meaning of name- After a bible verse (a single pearl purchased for a high price…affair with Dimmesdale) Her daughter Pearl is the result of the affair. Moody, mischievous spirit and an ability to perceive things that others do not. Townspeople thought she should be taken away from Hester Functions primarily as a symbol of her parents sin Irony- Product of sin but keeps Hester from meeting Mistress Hibbins in the forest to sign her name in the Black Man’s book

Roger Chillingworth Hester’s Husband & Elderly Scholar Sent Hester ahead of him to set up and he was to come shortly after her Captured by Indians and came to Salem to by his ransom (freedom from the Indians) Referred to as a “Leech” Known in town as a Physician Made Hester promise to keep the secret that he is her husband because she is keeping her partner in sin a secret. Obsessed with finding our Father of Pearl and seeks revenge

Journal Entry

You are one of the characters… Directions- Choose one of the characters from the novel. Write a journal entry on the characters thoughts, feelings, and attitude about the events and other characters. The journal entry each class period for the first 15 minutes and you need to write AT LEAST ONE PARAGRAPH EACH DAY. Should be written in first person. Characters- Hester, Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth, or Pearl (7 yr. old) Only choose one (1) character Neatly written Count as a test grade…

Evaluation Date (You can change the year if you like) (5 pts.) Start with: Dear Journal, for each journal entry (5 pts.) Include the thoughts, feelings, and attitude of the character (Must make sense with the novel) 1 Paragraph for each day (5 well-developed sentences) Grammar, punctuation and spelling must be correct