1. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
A Puritan Age Novel Written in the Age of Romanticism

2. First Novel: Age of Romanticism
Published in 1850 – as America was transitioning from the Age of Enlightenment into the Age of Romanticism
Genre in which writer can work in junction between actual and imaginary
A highly stylized symbolic fable
Interior psychological explorations
Lauded for “initiating a distinctive American literary tradition” (Telgen 1).
Psychological Exploration
Literary Symbolism
Historical Interpretation

3. Structure and Setting
Allegorical—people and symbols represent universal ideas and truths
Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony
Isolated, remote Puritan town
Theistic and patriarchal society

4. Historical Background
Massachusetts Bay Colony founded by John Winthrop in 1630
First generation Puritans
Ann Hutchison
Hutchinson challenged all hierarchical systems, a vocal woman, suggesting individuals could receive revelations directly from God
encouraged good deeds for good deeds sake, not for self-preservation or salvation
Rejected laws requiring people to attend church, to observe a day of rest on the Sabbath, to attend sermons and the ministers' lectures
Scaffold

5. Theistic Society – 17th Century Beliefs
God’s Chosen People
America was the New Eden
Dealt harshly with dissenters
Public punishment to preserve community
Predestination
Outward behavior showed state of grace

6. “Custom House”- Introductory Essay
3 Fold Purpose of “The Custom House”
Criticizes the boredom and vacuity of the job and the men that worked there
Recalls his attachment to Salem and his Puritan ancestors
Where he found the “A” and the documents recalling Hester’s story
But wait, there’s more…Authenticity and book length

7. Motifs developing into Themes
Truth and Lying – When? Why?
Individual and society- What dynamics are there? What are their results?
Sin- What is it? Who defines it?
Penance vs. Penitence
Revenge- Yeah or Nay?
Pride- What are its positives? What are its negatives?
Love vs. Hate- How are they different? How are they the same?

8. Other Areas of Focus… Freudian and/or Jungian Psychology
Use of and purpose of Irony
Symbolism – Nature, Plants, Light, Names
Contrasts

9. Rate for Moral Turpitude
Rate each item listed below for its moral turpitude, 1 being the most egregious offense and 6 being the least egregious offense. Then, write an explanation of why two of the six items received that particular rating from you.
Revenge
Lying to a friend
Lying to a stranger
Adultery  
Refusing to take responsibility for wrong-doing
Judging Others