1. Rewrite the scene in the forest between Dimmesdale and Hester, using modern language in their dialogue. 2. Write a description of Pearl’s future after the novel ends. Does she marry? Have a family? What is her life like? Be sure your choices are consistent with what you know about […]
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1. Justify Hawthorne’s including The Custom House preface as part of the novel. 2. Discuss how Hawthorne uses the setting in Chapter 1 to set the mood for his story. 3. Discuss the function of the following minor characters: Mistress Hibbins, Governor Bellingham, and Mr. Wilson. 4. Explain the evolving […]
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alchemy the ancient system of chemistry and philosophy having the aim of changing base metals into gold. anathemas curses things or persons greatly detested. anemones and columbines flowers of the buttercup family. Ann Turner an alleged witch who supposedly helped in the poisoning in the previously mentioned Overbury case. Anne […]
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Here are some of the best or most noteworthy versions of The Scarlet Letter to help you study and better understand the work. The Scarlet Letter 1979 Director: Rich Hauser Not Rated (Made for TV by PBS) This is a truly well done adaptation of Hawthorne’s work from the folks […]
Read more Study Help Film Versions of The Scarlet LetterStudy Help Famous Quotes from The Scarlet Letter
Here are some examples of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s most familiar quotes from The Scarlet Letter. In these examples, you will see how the author touches on deep psychological and romantic themes, heavily inspired by Puritan New England. “It may serve, let us hope, to symbolize some sweet moral blossom that may […]
Read more Study Help Famous Quotes from The Scarlet LetterCritical Essays The Structure of The Scarlet Letter
The First Scaffold Scene While many critics have imposed various structures on this novel, the scaffold scenes are by far the most popular means of pointing out the perfect balance of Hawthorne’s masterpiece. These scenes unite the plot, themes, and symbols in a perfect balance. The first scaffold scene, which […]
Read more Critical Essays The Structure of The Scarlet LetterCritical Essays The Scarlet Letter as a Gothic Romance
Introduction Hawthorne is chiefly remembered as the creative genius who sought to define the romance. He contributed four major romances to the world’s literature: The House of the Seven Gables, The Blithedale Romance, The Marble Faun, and The Scarlet Letter. In each of these he sought, in the prefaces, to […]
Read more Critical Essays The Scarlet Letter as a Gothic RomanceCritical Essays The Puritan Setting of The Scarlet Letter
Introduction Nathaniel Hawthorne had deep bonds with his Puritan ancestors and created a story that both highlighted their weaknesses and their strengths. His knowledge of their beliefs and his admiration for their strengths were balanced by his concerns for their rigid and oppressive rules.The Scarlet Letter shows his attitude toward […]
Read more Critical Essays The Puritan Setting of The Scarlet LetterCritical Essays Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter
Introduction Nathaniel Hawthorne is one of the most prolific symbolists in American literature, and a study of his symbols is necessary to understanding his novels. Generally speaking, a symbol is something used to stand for something else. In literature, a symbol is most often a concrete object used to represent […]
Read more Critical Essays Symbolism in The Scarlet LetterNathaniel Hawthorne Biography
Growing Up Born July 4, 1804, Nathaniel Hathorne was the only son of Captain Nathaniel Hathorne and Elizabeth Clarke Manning Hathorne. (Hawthorne added the “w” to his name after he graduated from college.) Following the death of Captain Hathorne in 1808, Nathaniel, his mother, and his two sisters were forced […]
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