3.10A The Scarlet Letter Honors Assignment
1. Why does Hawthorne use the phrase "But, one idle rainy day . . . "? What types of novels
and stories often begin with such descriptions?
-Hawthorne uses the phrase “But, one idle and rainy day…” because he wants to suggest
the randomness of the significant discovery of the documents. The types of novels and
stories that often begin with such description would be mystery and adventure novels and
stories.
2. The unopened documents Hawthorne describes are part of the fiction he creates. What
details does he include to persuade his reader he is describing actual, historical
documents?
-The details that Hawthorne includes to persuade his reader he is describing actual,
historical documents is that he makes it seem as if the documents were personal ones.
Ones that he may have just happened to have stumbled across.
3. In the paragraph describing the scarlet letter, Hawthorne combines concrete descriptive
details with a concluding sentence focusing on the strange feeling the letter evokes in
him. What effect is created by this combination of concrete and mystical language?
-The effect that is created by this combination of concrete and mystical language is to
create interest in the scarlet letter. You logically identify with concrete descriptions, but
when you hear feelings, it tugs on your own. Makes you wonder, and think to yourself.
4. What does Hawthorne mean to signify by his account of the "burning heat" of the letter?
How does this detail affect his pose as a historian presenting an account of actual events?
-Hawthorne means to signify that the letter was powerful. It had marked Hester’s own
life; it had meaning, and emotion behind it that is still felt years later. This detail affects
his pose as a historian presenting an account of actual events by him becoming involved
in the story, rather than being objective reporter on it.
5. What view of Hester Prynne's character does the old Surveyor's document convey? What
does Hawthorne claim are the similarities and differences in The Scarlet Letter and the
historical artifacts he discovered? Why do you think Hawthorne made up this story
claiming a historical basis for The Scarlet Letter?
-The document conveys that Hester Prynne’s character was noteworthy and generous.
Hawthorne claims the similarities and difference in The Scarlet Letter and the historical
artifacts he discovered are the recorded explanations of what occurred, and then on the
other hand, the actual scarlet letter “A”. I think Hawthorne made up this story claiming a
historical basis for The Scarlet Letter so people would be persuaded easier and to make
people realize the things that went on during that time.
Option Two: Writing an Autobiographical Sketch
Today I turn 20 years old. It has been 13 years since Dimmesdale confessed to his sin and died. I then
knew who my father was, at least. At first, I remember being mad at him; mad because he wouldn’t
appear with us in public. I know understand why he didn’t, and couldn’t. I took me a long time to
understand why my mom, Hester, and I were outcasted and wore a red “A”. I loved my mom dearly. She
took care of me and taught me everything I know. She didn’t let the Governor take me away from her
and my home. There are days that I wish that Dimmesdale had lived on, so that we could be a family. I
understand now, that it wasn’t meant to happen that way. I hope the people of the village I grew up in
learned something that day. We moved away from the colony awhile after my father’s death. To me,
though, it’s all in the past. I’m thankful to my mom for standing up for me and teaching me right and
wrong. I still love her dearly. However, now I have my own life. Chillingworth left me a large inheritance,
which I am thankful for as well. Now I am married to a rich man, and we live in Europe. I am enjoying my
life and living it.