AP Language and Composition

Unit 1: Origins of Universal Expectation of Conformity

Dialectical Journal for The Scarlet Letter

Directions:

Students will read Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter (1850) to analyze and understand Hawthorne’s use of the devout Puritan setting to convey universal messages of conformity, among other messages. The individualized focus will be on symbolism, theme, and purpose.

For each division, follow the instructions and utilize the provided chart below to complete your assignment. Your work can be typed or neatly hand-written. Ensure to identify the appropriate identification – chapter, symbol, theme, page number or page range, etc.

Your work is due at the time class starts. You may not email your work and will not be allowed to print it during class. If you do not come with it to class, it is automatically considered late.

SYMBOLS / THEMES
Rosebush / Alienation
Prison/prison door / Unconventional gender roles
Trees, forests, and vegetation / The impossibility of human protection
Thresholds/doors / Fate vs. Free Will
Water / Guilt vs. Innocence
Light/dark, night/day / Individual vs. Society
Reflections/mirrors / Hypocrisy vs. Integrity
Scaffold / Self-reliance vs. Accommodation
Colors: red, gold
Triads (groups of three)
Drapery/curtains

Division 1: Ch. 1-4

Due: Friday, September 6

Annotation focuses:

  • Identify one symbol per chapter and analyze its use in the chapter. Consider how the characters interact with the symbol, what role it plays in the chapter, how the author builds, inserts, and utilizes the symbol. What purpose does the symbol serve in the chapter? How does its presence impact the plot or purpose of the chapter? Vary the symbols that you select and analyze to give you a variety of different symbols.
  • Pick a paragraph or short passage to conduct a close reading of diction, imagery, symbolism, and figurative language. The passage should reveal something about a character, setting, argument, or serve some authorial purpose. Identify, label, and examine. Write a conclusion of Hawthorne’s use of language after individual analysis of the phrases in the excerpt. Incorporate an emerging theme that Hawthorne seems to be building based off his language in your chosen paragraph as well.
  • Select a passage from Ch.1-4 to do a possible close reading in class on Sept. 6.

Division 2: Ch. 5-6

Due: Friday, September 13

Annotation focuses:

  • Identify one symbol per chapter and analyze its use in the chapter. Consider how the characters interact with the symbol, what role it plays in the chapter, how the author builds, inserts, and utilizes the symbol. What purpose does the symbol serve in the chapter? How does its presence impact the plot or purpose of the chapter? Vary the symbols that you select and analyze to give you a variety of different symbols.
  • Pick a paragraph or short passage to conduct a close reading of diction, imagery, symbolism, and figurative language. The passage should reveal something about a character, setting, argument, or serve some authorial purpose. Identify, label, and examine. Write a conclusion of Hawthorne’s use of language after individual analysis of the phrases in the excerpt. Incorporate an emerging theme that Hawthorne seems to be building based off his language in your chosen paragraph as well.

Division 3: Ch. 10-14

Due: Friday, September 20

  • Assess Hawthorne’s use of language to convey the purpose of each chapter. What elements of rhetoric and figurative language are used to help build and convey the message? Can you link this purpose to a major theme that is evident in this division? Consider the role that symbolism and imagery play in the purpose and/or them of each chapter.
  • Pick a paragraph or short passage to conduct a close reading of diction, imagery, symbolism, and figurative language. The passage should reveal something about a character, setting, argument, or serve some authorial purpose. Identify, label, and examine. Write a conclusion of Hawthorne’s use of language after individual analysis of the phrases in the excerpt. Incorporate an emerging theme that Hawthorne seems to be building based off his language in your chosen paragraph as well.

Division 4: Ch. 15-19

Due: Friday, September 27

  • Assess Hawthorne’s use of language to convey the purpose of each chapter. What elements of rhetoric and figurative language are used to help build and convey the message? Can you link this purpose to a major theme that is evident in this division? Can you link this purpose to a major theme that is evident in this division? Consider the role that symbolism and imagery play in the purpose and/or them of each chapter.
  • Pick a paragraph or short passage to conduct a close reading of diction, imagery, symbolism, and figurative language. The passage should reveal something about a character, setting, argument, or serve some authorial purpose. Identify, label, and examine. Write a conclusion of Hawthorne’s use of language after individual analysis of the phrases in the excerpt. Incorporate an emerging theme that Hawthorne seems to be building based off his language in your chosen paragraph as well.

Division 5: Ch. 20-end

Due: Friday, October 4

  • Assess Hawthorne’s use of language to convey the purpose of each chapter. What elements of rhetoric and figurative language are used to help build and convey the message? Can you link this purpose to a major theme that is evident in this division? Can you link this purpose to a major theme that is evident in this division? Consider the role that symbolism and imagery play in the purpose and/or them of each chapter.
  • Pick a paragraph or short passage to conduct a close reading of diction, imagery, symbolism, and figurative language. The passage should reveal something about a character, setting, argument, or serve some authorial purpose. Identify, label, and examine. Write a conclusion of Hawthorne’s use of language after individual analysis of the phrases in the excerpt. Incorporate an emerging theme that Hawthorne seems to be building based off his language in your chosen paragraph as well.

Final Assessment

Due: Friday, October 11

Instructions, details, and expectations to be distributed and discussed at the end of September.