ENGLISH 11AA: Summer
Reading Assignment
“The Scarlet Letter” By Nathaniel Hawthorne – Chapters 1-8
As you read chapters 1-8 in the novel, complete the following:
Part 1 - Reading Notes:
In a notebook (spiral or composition) take notes for each chapter.
Dedicate a page per chapter. Fill it with information on the events of the chapter, descriptions of
characters, important quotes that give better insight into the characters, plot, and themes, and your
opinions and thoughts regarding the characters and plot. Look at the hints below to help write complete
notes.
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Make sure to write a detailed description of Hester’s A
Make note of any objects that seem symbolic, including characters’ names.
Make notes regarding Hawthorne’s portrayal of the Boston Puritans in the 1700s. Look for references
to their customs, dress, attitudes, and common way of life.
Make note of the characters emotions and gestures that showcase what they are thinking and feeling
throughout the play, esp. that of Arthur Dimmesdale
Pay close attention to the group of women in chapter 2. Note which one is different and tell how.
Make note of Hester’s descriptions of how Chillingworth and Dimmesdale have changed in chapter 8.
Try to copy one quote for each chapter that you think is significant. Write the page number of that
quote in parenthesis following the quote.
Part 2 – Analysis Questions:
Answer the following questions in your notebooks. You do not need to copy the questions, just the
numbers and the underlined title for each topic covered in the question.
1. Biblical Allusions: An allusion is a reference to something the writer expects the reader to know already or
to a popular piece of literature or media. Chapters 1-8 in TSL contain seven biblical allusions – references
to passages and stories of the Bible. Find and list at least two of them. Explain their meaning as used in
the novel.
2. The Time Period: How do religious beliefs and colonial laws intermingle in this story? To what extent do
religion and law mix in modem American society? Explain your answer.
3. “The Black Man”: Chapters 1-8 contain two references to the “Black Man.” Quote each, and explain to
whom each refers. (You are going to want to be aware of other references to the Black Man as you
continue reading.)
4. “Deus Ex Machine”: This phrase literally translates to “god from the machine” and derives from the
ancient Greek dramatic practice of lowering characters representing gods onto the stage with a hoist. This
term in nineteenth century literature refers to the literary technique in which the author steps into the
novel and speaks through his own voice rather than through his characters. Do you see evidence of this
technique in Chapters 1-8? Explain.
5. Hawthorne’s Style: Comment on Hawthorne’s style of writing in the first eight chapters of the novel. Give
your opinions, as well as describe what you have noticed about his writing as you read.
Extra Credit:
Create a visual journal entry in your notebooks covering a spread of two pages. Fill these pages with
magazine cut-outs and drawings that represent the characters, events, and themes of the first 8 chapters.
You will be given extra points for doing so based on your accuracy and effort in completing this.
The IMPORTANCE of Summer Work
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You must have this work completed and with you on the first day of your 11AA class. Please have
the novel with you as well. This assignment will count as your first grade and as a testament that
you are dedicated and ready for 11AA English. If you do not complete this assignment and have it
to show me on the first day next year, we will talk about your ability to complete the course
sufficiently and you may be encouraged to then talk to your counselor about leaving 11AA.
This assignment serves as a model of the work you will be completing throughout the year in
11AA. If you believe it is too difficult or you are unsure of how you could handle an assignment
like this during the school year, please see Ms. Dillon in room 40 or your school counselor.
Contacting Your Teacher:
If you need help over the summer, feel free to contact your teacher at the email address below. You are
welcome to ask questions about the at-home reading and the expectations of the year to come. You can
also just say hello.
Ms. Dillon – ms.m.dillon@gmail.com
Enjoy your summer!
I am excited to teach you this coming year!