The Scarlet Letter: Pre-Assessment
Step #1: Read the prompt before you begin reading.
Step #2: Read the short story: “Young Goodman Brown.” Feel free to take notes as
needed.
Step #3: Choose two reliable sources from the packet labeled sources to read and
use. Be careful to choose sources that will contain little bias and are from academic
sites.
Step #4: Write your response to the prompt; when you include quotes from the
short story and from your chosen sources, cite them. Cite the short story by the
author and page number (Hawthorne, 3); cite the sources by the number located on
the first page (Source #2).

Your paper will be scored according to the attached rubric, but you will
receive full points when you complete each step of this assignment.
Prompt: Witchcraft is a predominant theme in both “Young Goodman Brown” and
Salem, Massachusetts, during the 17th Century. How does Goodman Brown’s encounter
with witchcraft/devil worship in this short story correlate with the historical
happenings of the Puritan Era? Support your analysis with quotes from your two
chosen sources and the novel.