The Scarlet Letter

Essay - Dennis

Choose ONE of the following essay prompts and respond fully to each in a
two page typed response. You essay should be typed in Times New Roman
font, 12 point size, and printed in black ink. It should be double spaced, no
more or less, and have 1” margins. This should be turned in, emailed, or
submitted via the website by the start of class on Thursday 11/12. Papers
will be accepted late on Friday 11/13 at a 25 point deduction. No papers will
be accepted after the end of school on 11/13.

Choice 1: Critics debate who commits the greater sin: Hester Prynne,
Roger Chillingworth, or Reverend Dimmesdale. Make a choice and then
explain how Hawthorne’s rhetorical strategies lead you to your decision. In
other words, prove that your selection of the greatest sinner is supported in
the novel.

Choice 2: It has been said that Hawthorne seems to write this novel as if it
were a dream. In an essay, explain how the author accomplishes this
‘dreamlike quality’.

Choice 3: There are several opinions for the appearance of Dimmesdale’s

scarlet letter. Use evidence from the novel to craft an essay in which you
describe and support how Dimmesdale got his own ‘scarlet letter’.

Choice 4: Your goal in this essay is to examine Hawthorne’s writing style

and use of figurative language. What devices does Hawthorne seem to rely
on more than others? Why? Can you reliably explain his preference for
certain devices over others within the context of a formal understanding of
the work as a whole?

Choice 5: Focusing on Dimmesdale, take a position on the following

statement: the punishment imposed on us by others may not be as
destructive as the guilt we impose upon ourselves. Consider how Hester's
decision to conceal Dimmesdale's identity affects him, as well as the way
Hester handles the punishment imposed on her by the community.