The Scarlet Letter

Lesson 18
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ELA

Unit 7

11th Grade

Lesson 18 of 26

Objective


Analyze how the author develops the theme of sin and redemption in this chapter.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne  — Chapter 17: The Pastor and His Parishioner

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Target Task


Question 1

Which of the following best characterizes the relationship between Hester and Dimmesdale as it is revealed in this chapter?

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Question 2

The main purpose of the lines, “He has violated, in cold blood, the sanctity of the human heart. Thou and I, Hester, never did so!” on p. 86, is to

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Question 3

Which statement best characterizes Hester and Dimmesdale’s disagreement about sin and redemption?

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Question 4

Explain how Hawthorne develops the theme of sin and redemption in Chapter 17. Use evidence from the chapter to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • According to the narrator on p. 82, how does the setting of the woods impact the mood of the meeting? What metaphor does the narrator use to further develop the mood?
  • Track evidence that, despite years having passed, the two still love each other.
  • What question does Dimmesdale ask Hester and how does she respond? What can you infer from her response? How does he respond to the same question?
  • Why does Dimmesdale insist that he can never find peace?
  • Track the author’s development of Dimmesdale’s internal conflict in this chapter.
  • Why does Hester feel so guilty on pp. 84 and 85? Do you think she should? Does Dimmesdale think she should?
  • Whose forgiveness does Hester crave? Why his and not God’s?
  • Whose sin do they both believe is worse than their own? Why? 
  • Track evidence that Hester is the stronger of these two characters. Do you think Hawthorne wants us to feel more sympathy for her than for Dimmesdale? OR equal for both? Why?
  • Where does Hester try to convince Dimmesdale that they should go? Why?
  • What does the forest represent in this chapter? How do you know?
  • How does Hawthorne develop the ideas of truth and redemption in this chapter? Is the truth the only thing that can set you free?

Notes


The focus area suggested by the aim is sin and redemption. While some portion of class must focus on this aim, it is also possible to focus today’s class on the thematic topic of love.

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Lesson 17

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Lesson 19

Lesson Map

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