The Scarlet Letter
Dialectical Journal Assignment
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE DIALECTICAL JOURNAL
These instructions will assist you as you complete your journal.
• Use at least 20 quotes from throughout the novel, complete dialectical entries (sample entry
included below).
• Devote at least 12 journal entries/quotes to the four major characters: Hester Prynne, Arthur
Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth, and Pearl. (That means at least 3 quotes per character).
• The dialectical journal is a double-entry note taking system. It helps one to read critically and
encourages the habit of reflective questioning. It is a place to record and explore ideas using
writing as a tool for learning.
Creating a Dialectical Journal:
1. Draw a line down the middle of the paper, making two columns.
2. The left column is used for “Note Taking” - direct quotations or summaries from the reading
(include chapter and paragraph number).
3. The right column is used for “Note Making” – commenting on notes from the left column.
Personal reactions to the notes on the left go here. The comments on the right may include:
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Analysis of rhetorical device in quote—What device is it? Why does author use it? How does it work?
(Take the quote apart and explain it)
Analysis of diction (connotations, denotations, preciseness of words) or syntax (author’s style) or
author’s tone
Analysis of appeals to logos, ethos, and pathos
Analysis of the elements of setting, plot, conflict or theme
Analysis of characterization
A question you may have about the passage or a personal reaction/connection to the passage
As you take notes in your journal, you should regularly reread the previous pages of notes and comments,
drawing connections in a right-column summary before starting another page of the journal.
Note Taking
Note Making
“In a moment, however, wisely judging that one
token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide
another, she took the baby on her arm, and, with a
burning blush, and yet a haughty smile, and a
glance that would not be abashed, looked around at
her townspeople and neighbors. on the breast of her
gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with an
elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold
thread, appeared the letter a. (ch2.prg10)
In a way, it seems that Hester almost embraces the
blame cast on her. She flashes a “haughty smile” at
the townspeople showing she accepts their
punishment. In this way, Hester is neutralizing the
power of the scarlet letter. Also of note, the narrator
classifies the onlookers as “neighbors,” reminding
the reader that they are Hester’s equals.
"The magistrates are god-fearing gentlemen, but merciful
overmuch,-that is a truth," added a third autumnal
matron. "At the very least, they should have put the brand
of a hot iron on Hester Prynne's forehead. Madame
Hester would have winced at that, I warrant me. But she,
-the naughty baggage, -little will she care what they put
upon the bodice of her gown! Why, look you, she may
cover it with a brooch, or such like heathenish
adornment, and so walk the streets as brave as ever!"
"Ah, but," interposed, more softly, a young wife, holding a
child by the hand, "let her cover the mark as she will, the
pang of it will be always in her heart." (ch2.prg5-6)
The townswomen respond very cruelly to Hester’s
“crime.” This might be Hawthorne illustrating for the
reader what the absence of sympathy can do,
especially en masse.
The words of the women seem angry and bitter and
reflect the sort of “gang mentality” that people are
quick to fall into when someone steps outside of the
societal “norm.”
The Scarlet Letter
Dialectical Journal Assignment