The Scarlet Letter – Essay Test
For your final test on this novel, you will receive one of the following questions about which to write a formal, five-paragraph essay in class. Given that you do not know which question you will receive, you will need to think about how you would approach each. Outline your ideas for each question, including ideas for the introduction, thesis and three body paragraphs. You will not be able to bring your notes with you so you will not be required to use direct quotations, but each question does require you to use specific details and examples from the text.
- It is ironic that just as Hester plans to run away and find happiness with her beloved, Dimmesdale should die. Certainly most readers would prefer a happier, more conventional ending to this love story. Discuss the inevitability of this ending. Consider the significance of Hester and Dimmesdale’s sin and the effect it has on both of them. Consider also the use of foreshadowing and how it may have prepared you for Dimmesdale’s death.
- One of Hawthorne’s major themes is stated in the final chapter with these words: “Be true! Be true! Be true! Show freely to the world, if not your worst, yet some trait whereby the worst may be inferred.” Discuss the relevance of this statement to the meaning of the book. Support your argument with references to three major characters.
- In chapter 20, Hawthorne writes, “No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true.” Discuss the applicability of this statement to Hester, Dimmesdale and Chillingworth. Begin with the person to which the statement is least applicable.
- Setting is an important element of this novel. Consider how the scaffold, the marketplace and the forest serve the function of unifying the structure of the novel as well as illuminating or contrasting main characters. What is Hawthorne’s overall message about setting and how is this illustrated through these three settings?
The Scarlet Letter – Essay Test
Answer the following question in formal, five-paragraph essay form. Your essay must include an introduction and thesis statement, three well-developed body paragraphs and a conclusion. Support your responses with specific details from the novel and use your time wisely.
- It is ironic that just as Hester plans to run away and find happiness with her beloved, Dimmesdale should die. Certainly most readers would prefer a happier, more conventional ending to this love story. Discuss the inevitability of this ending. Consider the significance of Hester and Dimmesdale’s sin and the effect it has on both of them. Consider also the use of foreshadowing and how it may have prepared you for Dimmesdale’s death.
The Scarlet Letter – Essay Test
Answer the following question in formal, five-paragraph essay form. Your essay must include an introduction and thesis statement, three well-developed body paragraphs and a conclusion. Support your responses with specific details from the novel and use your time wisely.
- One of Hawthorne’s major themes is stated in the final chapter with these words: “Be true! Be true! Be true! Show freely to the world, if not your worst, yet some trait whereby the worst may be inferred.” Discuss the relevance of this statement to the meaning of the book. Support your argument with references to three major characters.
The Scarlet Letter – Essay Test
Answer the following question in formal, five-paragraph essay form. Your essay must include an introduction and thesis statement, three well-developed body paragraphs and a conclusion. Support your responses with specific details from the novel and use your time wisely.
- In chapter 20, Hawthorne writes, “No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true.” Discuss the applicability of this statement to Hester, Dimmesdale and Chillingworth. Begin with the person to which the statement is least applicable.
The Scarlet Letter – Essay Test
Answer the following question in formal, five-paragraph essay form. Your essay must include an introduction and thesis statement, three well-developed body paragraphs and a conclusion. Support your responses with specific details from the novel and use your time wisely.
- Setting is an important element of this novel. Consider how the scaffold, the marketplace and the forest serve the function of unifying the structure of the novel as well as illuminating or contrasting main characters. What is Hawthorne’s overall message about setting and how is this illustrated through these three settings?