English III GSummer ReadingC. Hildebrand
The Scarlet Letterby Nathaniel Hawthorne
Why? Although Hawthorne published the novel in 1850, it has earned the a place in the canon of American classics not only
for its rich use of literary devices but also for its ability to span centuries with its relevance. In creating a portrait of
New England’s Puritan beginnings with a depiction of seventeenth century Salem, Hawthorne manages to convey his own lifetime’s concerns—both personal and societal—within a context of timeless issues (see section What? B 1forthe issue list ) with which society continues to struggle. In short, reading this will increase your awareness of history, literature, vocabulary, human nature, and yourself. I hope.
What? A pretty ridiculous vocabulary requirement and some not-too-horrible(maybe)literary analysis options. And a reading
check test on the novel. But first, the vocabulary:
A. Vocabulary requirement: as you read keep a hand-written list of words which are unfamiliar to you. (It has to be hand-
written, you see, because a variety of vocabulary lists for the novel are available on the internet—oops, did I just type that out loud?—and I certainly would not want anyone tocut, paste, and reformat. So yes, hand-written, please.) On Tuesday, August 22, you will have a test on the novel’s vocabulary on which you may use your hand-written list.
B. Literary Analysis: The Scarlet Letter offers numerous avenues of literary investigation. You may focus on any one of the following aspects, and within each aspect you may further narrow your approach. The manner in which you present the information (also replete with options) is explained in the How? section.Due dates: August 21,take reading check test; August 22-25: oral presentations.
1. Theme: At the novel’s onset, the narrator suggests that readers “pluck some sweet moral blossom” from the tale which subsequently unfolds. As the plot and characters develop, the conflicts that each character faces yield various themes which culminate in Hawthorne’s direct statement, “Be true, be true be true!” Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to explain how this primary theme stems from one (or more) of the lesser themes listed below:
hypocrisywomen’s place in society
results of guilt/revenge the nature of evil
alienationsocietal pressure to conform
love/faith’s importance over moral/civil law betrayal
struggle between “righteousness” and “sin” self-righteousness
2. Structure: Like modern movies, The Scarlet Letter is divided into thirds, and critics note that Hawthorne frequently
uses threes in various situations: a love triangle, three-part descriptions, repetition in threes (see theme). Most notably,
however, Hawthorne places three scaffold scenes in crucial positions both chronologically and developmentally within
the plot. Your task here is to examine these three scenes in terms of their significance to the plot and/or character
development.
3. Symbolism: Hawthorne employs symbolism heavily through out the novel. Your job, consider one (to three) of the following symbols and determine their significance to plot, character, and/or theme. Some worthy symbols include but are not limited to the following:
the scarlet letter colorthe forest/wildernesslight scaffold rosebush meteor any others you deem valid
4. Character:The Scarlett Letter presents an allegory in a Puritan setting in which the characters are not simply “players” within a scheme, but symbols in themselves. Assignment: Examine one of the four main characters according to the ideas he/she represents. Consider how Hawthorne establishes each as both a symbol and a character (a personality) and how he uses aspects of the “person” (appearance, attitude, actions, dialogue) to indicate his or her symbolic nature.
How? First, read the novel—not theShmoop/ spark/cliff/e/Thugnotes or whatever. Then, you have options again.
Within each option below, I have leftan intentional open-endedness so that you may tailor the means of expression to your own aptitude andinterest.You will explain your approach to the class in an oral presentation Aug. 21-25. The rubric for the means of expression is on the back of this page. Additionally, you will provide a one page, typed explanation of how your depiction/presentation captures the element of the novel on which you have focused. This should be a formal but brief explanation. Be attentive to grammar.
1. Photo journal: convey your thoughts through pictures; must be accompanied by written explanation.
2. Soundtrack: choose at least three but no more than five songsthat embody the aspects of your investigation; must be
accompanied by written explanation.
3. Artistic rendering: create a work of art which captures the essential elements of your study; must be accompanied by
written explanation
4. Dramatic performance: monologue, poetry reading, scene, music video (you may recruit a cast); may be filmed or live;
must be accompanied by written explanation
5. Academic essay: present your analysis in the traditional essay form complete with thesis and supporting evidence. The
essay should be a minimum of three pages. (This option does not require an accompanying explanation.)
*All accompanying written explanations should be approximately one page.
Rubric (all means of presentation)
R Requirement / 1 10 / 99 9 / 88 8 / 7 7-6 / 5 5-0Al All work (written and oral) is professionally and neatly presented and organized, ready to be
submitted and explained on the due date
M Means of expression evinces a clear relationship to the focus of literary investigation and demonstrates
De depth of thought beyond superficial understanding
Pr (provides evidence of analysis and synthesis rather than recall/summary or description.)
Explanation offers detailed clarification of the relationship of the means of
expression to the chosen aspect of the novel; ideas extend beyond superficial
understanding.
Presentation (written or oral) demonstrates mastery of correct grammar .
Presentation reflects a scholarly command of language appropriate to the
assignment, grade level, and audience.
Total score:
So, to sum it all up, you will (1) read The Scarlet Letter (2) choose one of the four literary investigations and (3) choose one of the five means of expression of that investigation and (4) write it up and present it in August. I am sure all of this is perfectly clear to you, but if you need direction, you may email me at over the summer or at while school is in session.