English III 09/06/17 DO NOW: Grab a copy of The Scarlet Letter if you don’t have your own Take out your chapter 2 Journal entry AGENDA: Analyze characterization of Hester Prynne I will be around to check your journal entry

The Assignment: As Hawthorne introduces Hester Prynne in chapter two, he uses several extraordinarily descriptive sentences that help us, the readers, to understand her more deeply. You will… Pick 4 passages that you think provide the reader with insight into her character. Select two words/phrases you find especially interesting from each of those passages (8 total). Finally, provide an analysis of those two words/phrases as the pertain to her character - you must use complete sentences. See example…

Example: “This personage prefigured and represented in his aspect the whole dismal severity of the Puritanic code of law, which it was his business to administer in its final and closest application to the offender. Stretching forth the official staff in his left hand, he laid his right upon the shoulder of a young woman, whom he thus drew forward, until, on the threshold of the prison–door, she repelled him, by an action marked with natural dignity and force of character, and stepped into the open air as if by her own free will” (p 39).    2. Natural dignity: The word “natural” has many associations, not the least of which is the association with “nature.” Nature is wild and untamed, it does its own thing and though it can be tamed, it is never conquered. This suggests that the same may be true of Hester. Also, her dignity is “natural” – part of her character, not pretend or fake. This might imply that other people are false. 1. Repelled: The word “repelled” has strong connotations. Hawthorne could have said “pushed him away”, “resisted”, or any other number of synonyms, but chose to use a word that brings to mind magnetic attraction – or rather the opposite. Like two opposite magnetic forces that “repel” each other, Hester seems to “repel” this man who represents Puritan law. This implies she is the opposite of the Puritans.