The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Grade Level: This lesson plan is intended for High School English, ideally 11th or 12th grade.

Subject: Literature

Time Allotment: Two class periods (approximately 1.5 hours)

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will be able to identify the historical and social context of the novel.
  • Students will be able to analyze the major characters and their motivations.
  • Students will be able to discuss the central themes of sin, guilt, and redemption.
  • Students will be able to close read a passage from the text and identify literary devices.

Materials:

  • Copies of "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • Whiteboard or projector
  • Markers or pens
  • Handouts with key terms and discussion questions (optional)

Lesson Procedure:

Day 1: Introduction and Setting the Stage

  1. Motivation (10 minutes):

✵ Begin with a short activity to introduce the concept of social stigma. Show an image of a person wearing a scarlet letter "A". Ask students what they think the letter might symbolize and what kind of social judgment the person might be facing.

  1. Introduction (10 minutes):

✵ Briefly discuss Nathaniel Hawthorne and his place in American Romanticism.

✵ Introduce the novel "The Scarlet Letter" and its historical setting in Puritan New England.

  1. Historical and Social Context (20 minutes):

✵ Lecture or class discussion about the key features of Puritan society: strict religious beliefs, emphasis on community and conformity, harsh punishments for sin.

✵ Students can take notes on key points or complete a graphic organizer.

  1. Character Introduction (20 minutes):

✵ Divide students into small groups. Assign each group a main character (Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth, Pearl).

✵ Each group creates a short presentation or graphic organizer that introduces their assigned character, including their role in the story, their motivations, and any symbolic elements associated with them (e.g., the scarlet letter).

  1. Wrap-Up (5 minutes):

✵ Have each group present their findings on their assigned character to the class.

✵ Briefly discuss any initial questions or predictions students may have about the plot based on the characters.

Day 2: Close Reading and Theme Exploration

  1. Review (5 minutes):

✵ Briefly review the previous day's discussion on historical context and characters.

  1. Close Reading Activity (30 minutes):

✵ Select a passage from the early chapters of the novel that introduces a central theme (e.g., Hester standing on the scaffold, Hester and Pearl in the forest).

✵ Guide students through a close reading activity where they identify literary devices used by Hawthorne (e.g., symbolism, imagery, figurative language).

✵ Students can annotate the text directly or use a separate worksheet to record their observations.

  1. Theme Discussion (30 minutes):

✵ Based on the chosen passage and the close reading activity, lead a class discussion on the major themes of the novel.

✵ Some prompts to consider:

  • How does Hawthorne portray sin and guilt in the characters?
  • What is the significance of the scarlet letter?
  • What role does society play in enforcing punishment and judgment?
  1. Exit Ticket (5 minutes):

✵ As a formative assessment, have students write a short reflection on a question related to the themes discussed in class.

Differentiation:

  • Provide scaffolding for close reading by offering a list of literary devices to look for in the passage.
  • Allow students to choose a different format for their character presentation (e.g., drawing, poem).
  • Offer alternative exit ticket options, such as creating a visual representation of a theme or drawing a character and explaining their motivations.

Extension Activities:

  • Students can research the Salem Witch Trials and compare the historical event to the societal attitudes depicted in "The Scarlet Letter."
  • Have students write a journal entry from the perspective of one of the characters.
  • Watch a film adaptation of the novel and discuss how it compares to the book.

Assessment:

  • Participation in class discussions
  • Character presentations
  • Close reading activity and annotations
  • Exit tickets or short reflections