The Scarlet Letter

Lesson 22
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ELA

Unit 7

11th Grade

Lesson 22 of 26

Objective


Analyze the author’s development of the plot, symbols, and themes of the novel in Chapter 22.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne  — Chapter 22: The Procession

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Target Task


Question 1

The narrator uses the phrase, “all must have been a delusion,” on p. 111 to present Hester as

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Question 2

The market and the forest are used to represent which of the following in this chapter?

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Question 3

How does Hawthorne develop the theme of sin and redemption in this chapter? Use evidence to support your answer.

Question 4

We are approaching the climax of the novel. Make a prediction, based on the clues Hawthorne has provided, about how the novel must end. Use evidence to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • What does the narrator mean by “new and startling state of affairs” on p. 109?
  • According to the narrator on pp. 109–110, what characteristics did Puritan leaders have and not have? 
  • Who is being referred to as “the young and eminently divine” on p. 110? How does the narrator compare men of this profession to the politicians?
  • How is Dimmesdale described on pp. 110–111? What distinction is made between his mind and body? Why?
  • How does the narrator describe Hester’s feelings as she observes Dimmesdale?
  • How does the narrator use the symbolism of the marketplace and the forest on p. 111? What do each represent here?
  • Who approaches Hester on p. 112? What does the narrator tell us about this character and what does she say about Dimmesdale?
  • “Dost though think I have been to the forest so many times, and have yet no skill to judge who else has been there?” What does Mistress Hibbins mean here?
  • “What is that the good minister seeks to hide, with his hand always over his heart?” And here?
  • Where does Hester stand on p. 113? What other scenes have taken place here? What is the significance of Hawthorne’s choice to set this scene here? 
  • How does the narrator describe Dimmesdale’s voice and tone on p. 113? 
  • Track the narrator’s descriptions of Pearl on p. 114.
  • What news does the mariner ask Pearl to relay to Hester?
  • How does the author use irony to develop Hester’s plight on p. 115? Explain.
  • How does the author use juxtaposition at the end of the chapter? What does it communicate?
  • Dimmesdale has cut off the possibility of escape just as the novel is reaching its climax. What other options do the lovers have?
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Lesson 21

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Lesson 23

Lesson Map

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