Name: ______________________
Scarlet Letter Theme #1
Isolation
The Scarlet Letter tells the story of a society that is as good at excluding people as a middle school
clique. We watch our heroine, Hester Prynne, live in isolation for years and years, cast out of Puritan
society for having a child out of wedlock. Her isolation leads her to see her society in a new light and
allows her to think outside of the box. Ironically, it seems characters who are the most appreciated by
and involved in this society seem to be the most conflicted and alone.
(http://www.shmoop.com/scarlet-letter/isolation-theme.html)
Questions about Isolation:
1)
What does “isolation” mean?
2)
How does Hester’s isolation affect her?
3)
How does isolation affect Pearl?
4) In your opinion, does isolation empower Hester?
Yes
or
No
(be prepared to debate your answer to this!)
5) Have you ever felt isolated?
Yes
or
No