Name ___________________________
The Scarlet Letter Essay -- Light-Dark Motif (80 pts.)
GOAL: To write a well-organized essay in which you analyze how
Hawthorne uses light and dark imagery to illuminate a major theme of the
novel embodied in the following quote: “Be true! Be true! Be true! Show
freely to the world, if not your worse, yet some trait whereby the worst may
be inferred!” (311).
Point Value: _______
Due Date: _________________
Focus Correction Areas:
(30) Structure/Organization/Focus
(30) Choice of textual evidence/Quality of Embedding/Analysis
(20) Style/Mechanics
Introduction
 Begin by addressing the overarching theme(s) you wish to address:
ie. the role of Puritan theocracy, transcendentalist philosophy, the role
of an individual in conflict with his or her world , a combination of
the above – You decide.
 Relate these themes/ideas to the novel/author/setting
 Include exposition about the novel and Hawthorne’s use of light and
dark imagery to achieve his greater thematic purpose. Be sure to
define/explain the significance of the theme of truth and being true to
oneself.
 Conclude with a focused thesis in which you explain how Hawthorne
employs light and dark imagery in various stages to make a thematic
statement about these characters and the greater Puritan community.
Body Paragraphs
 Organize by stage (i.e. the first scaffold scene, the second scaffold
scene, the forest scene, and the third scaffold scene). Reference the
time frame and thematic purpose of light and dark imagery in your
topic sentence. You may reference multiple characters, but be sure to
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analyze how light and dark imagery highlights their role within their
community.
Glean the text for strong supporting quotations. Embed and analyze
all quotations. Dig deep in your analysis and use the text intricately.
Make sure you explain how/why each quotation supports your thesis.
Also be sure to include enough contextual information so that your
analysis is clear.
Use transitional analysis to keep your topic alive and to make
connections between examples within the paragraph.
Document all quotations – i.e. (Hawthorne 35).
End with a clincher that offers a deeper insight into the implications
of this theme for these characters and their community
Conclusion
 Restate the thesis
 Revisit the broader theme of your essay. What greater lesson does
this theme/motif teach about Puritan society? All humanity?
NOTE: Your title should reflect the same thematic focus as your topic
sentence and clincher. Remember Poe’s unity of effect!