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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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
- Review (5 minutes):
✵ Briefly review the previous day's discussion on historical context and characters.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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