Beginning of Novel analysis The Scarlet Letter Beginning of Novel analysis

Chapter One: The Prison Door Hawthorne is setting the scene for the reader in this short chapter. How would you describe the mood that he establishes here at the start of the novel? Re-read the first two paragraph and circle all the words that contribute to that mood. What is a paradox? What does dichotomy mean? What paradox/dichotomy is seen with the Puritans way of setting up their “Utopia”? A famous juxtaposition is shown as the chapter progresses. Identify and discuss this juxtaposition. Two points at the end of the chapter: Hawthorne/his narrator uses second person references. There is a reference to Anne Hutchinson. Anybody know that reference?

Chapter Two: The market Place At the beginning of the chapter, Hawthorne talks about how the Puritans combined their laws with their religious beliefs (so, for instance, adultery is an actual crime). What’s the advantages and disadvantages of doing this? Do we do that at all in the U.S.? Why does Hawthorne use women to describe the community’s reaction to Hester? What is he implying when he says women “appeared to take a peculiar interest” in Hester’s punishment? Summarize the various women’s views of Hester and her crimes and punishment. You should be considering whether you feel there should be punishment for somebody who commits adultery. Thoughts?

Chapter Two: The market Place Read the description of Hester and her letter (paragraph starting with “The door of the jail…” and then going on for a couple more paragraphs). Thoughts? Several important events take place at the scaffold. Describe this setting/situation. What’s the intention here with the Puritans? What’s the thinking in terms of Hester’s punishment? Do you think it’s fair? Too harsh? Too lenient? Would punishments like this work well today (say, for like drug users or maybe for students who don’t do their homework, etc…)? There is a shift at the end of the chapter. What’s going on with the last page or so?

Chapter Three: The Recognition Reread the section (page 15) of Hester coming to America. This makes the baby a bit more complicated (and perhaps more understandable though still against the Puritan law). Why wouldn’t Hester tell people who the father is? It would take heat off herself. The minister and it seems even her own baby want her to give out the information – come on Hester! Why is this chapter titled “The Recognition”?

Chapter Four: The interview So now we find out who this mysterious man is that was first seen at the end of chapter two. Let’s look at how Hawthorne builds up to this: Chapter two (page 12) Chapter three (page 14 and 16) Chapter four (page 27) What does Chillingworth want to know? Why? Character list: Hester, Rev. Dimmesdale, Mistress Hibbins, Gov. Bellingham, John Wilson, Hester’s baby (Pearl), Roger Chillingworth