1. Identify the sin of Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, and trace the consequences of that sin on the person’s life and character.
2. Explain the symbolic significance of each of the following items: Light and dark; The scaffold; The rosebush and weeds; The letter “A”; The forest; The town
3. Some literary critics argue that Hester Prynne is one of American Literature’s first feminists. Agree or disagree with this assertion using specific examples from the text.
4. Explain Hawthorne's view on human nature regarding passion. Justify your response.
5. Hawthorne uses real historical figures in this text, including Governor Bellingham, John Wilson, and Ann Hibbins. Conduct some research on these figures. Provide a brief summary of each person and explain how they add authenticity to Hawthorne's work.
6. Conduct research on the figure of Anne Hutchinson. It has been said that Hester Prynne may be modeled after the historical figure of Anne Hutchinson. In what ways are these two women similar? Explain using details from the text.
7. Describe Hawthorne’s use of dramatic irony, and cite specific examples to support your response.
8. How does Hester’s attitude change from the first moment she emerges from the jail through the last scene of the novel. What major events assist in her transformation?
2. Explain the symbolic significance of each of the following items: Light and dark; The scaffold; The rosebush and weeds; The letter “A”; The forest; The town
3. Some literary critics argue that Hester Prynne is one of American Literature’s first feminists. Agree or disagree with this assertion using specific examples from the text.
4. Explain Hawthorne's view on human nature regarding passion. Justify your response.
5. Hawthorne uses real historical figures in this text, including Governor Bellingham, John Wilson, and Ann Hibbins. Conduct some research on these figures. Provide a brief summary of each person and explain how they add authenticity to Hawthorne's work.
6. Conduct research on the figure of Anne Hutchinson. It has been said that Hester Prynne may be modeled after the historical figure of Anne Hutchinson. In what ways are these two women similar? Explain using details from the text.
7. Describe Hawthorne’s use of dramatic irony, and cite specific examples to support your response.
8. How does Hester’s attitude change from the first moment she emerges from the jail through the last scene of the novel. What major events assist in her transformation?
