Honors English 11
The Scarlet Letter Composition - 70 points
Directions: Choose one of the following essay topics and craft a three paragraph response that is
thoughtful and well-organized. Include three references to the novel in embedded quote form.
1. A recurring theme in literature is the classic war between passion and responsibility. For
instance, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other
emotion or drive may conflict with moral duty. Choose a character that confronts the demands
of a private passion that conflicts with his or her responsibilities. In a well-written essay show
clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the novel.
2. Many critics suggest that if the scarlet letter could talk, it would say many of the same things
that Pearl says. Pearl seems to be just as much symbolic as she is real. Explain Hawthorne’s
depiction of Pearl and what she represents in the grand scheme of the novel’s purpose.
3. Although Hester endures public shaming and ostracism at the hands of the Puritans, “the scarlet
letter had not done its office” (157). Discuss the significance.
4. An author will often implement a motif in his/her writing to emphasize a key element of his/her
purpose. In The Scarlet Letter, the narrator frequently mentions weeds and flowers. Examine
this motif and explain the purpose/ message behind it.
5. In The Scarlet Letter, the narrator argues that, at their core, love and hate are essentially the
same emotion. Certainly, both have a powerful effect on Dimmesdale and Chillingworth
respectively. Using the narrator’s argument about love and hate, argue that Chillingworth is a
character for whom the reader should feel sympathy.
Due: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31. Conference time available Oct 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30.
Include this formal heading:
Your name
Mr. Manero
English 11 6.0, p.__
31 October 2014
(5) Format
(15) Intro./Thesis and Concl.
(20) Treatment of Quotes
(10) Organization/ Transitions
(10) Style (WC, Diction, etc)
(10) Grammar/Usage
Your title should be original, thought-provoking, and free from underlining, quotes, etc.
***Must submit to Turnitin.com***
Structure
Introduction:
i.
Universal
ii.
sentence linking universal to author, title, character
iii.
introduction of topic
iv.
thesis
Body
v.
Paragraph with three embedded quotes supporting your topic (strong topic sentence and
clincher, and same basic structure as last writing assignment).
Conclusion
vi.
Discuss how you’ve proven the thesis
vii.
Revisit the universal and tie into text