1 The Scarlet Letter presents a conflict between Dimmesdale’s traditional morality and Hester’s transcendental morality. In other words, Dimmesdale’s respect for society’s traditions and his traditional religious views determine the course of action he chooses; Hester, in contrast, maintains a moral perspective that transcends tradition. Support or refute this statement. Use textual evidence.
2 Hester is the quintessential Emersonian heroine, “an individual standing alone, self reliant and self propelling, ready to confront whatever awaited [her] with the aid of [her] own unique and inherent resources.” (Lewis) Support or refute this statement. Use textual evidence.
3 Hawthorne presents his novel through the contrast between the marketplace – the center of Puritan settlement, its religion, morals, and laws – and the wilder forest beyond. Discuss the significance of these two settings on both literal and symbolic levels. What themes in the novel do these settings and their contrast suggest? (n.b., this contrast would later form the basis for that most American of movie genres: the Western!)
4 The Scarlet Letter has many, many references to women, womanhood, and femininity. What do the portraits of Hester Prynne and Pearl suggest about Hawthorne’s perspective of women?
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