Scarlet Letter Final Project (due Friday Nov. 23)

Choose one of the following group or individual projects to show your understanding of the novel:

Group Projects:

1.  Re-enact and video a scene or two or three from the novel. You may choose whether your video will take place in Puritan times or be a modern portrayal. Depending on size of group will determine the number of scenes required.

(Hint: props, costumes, set design, music, and good editing will enhance your performance.)

2.  Construct a multimedia presentation pointing out examples of symbols and themes (other than the "A" meaning adultery) and explaining their meaning. The purpose is that this could be used as a study guide for other students. The number of items explained will be determined by the number of people in the group.

Individual or Partner Project

1. Creating a Movie Poster us Adobe PhotoShop CS3 software. (see attached sheet for more detailed information) For this project you can work alone or with a partner.

Individual Projects:

1.  Create a song telling the ballad of Hester Pyrnne. You may compose the song, or write new words for an existing melody. Share the song with the class either live or via audio or videotape.

2.  Hester’s letter “A” was supposed to represent her sin of adultery with its elaborate embroidery it also represented her artistic ability. Think of a sin associated with Dimmesdale and Chillingworth. Create a badge that uses a letter or other symbol to represent the sin. In addition, use art, needlework, or some other craft to make the badge reveal something about the man’s character, interests, or profession. Write an explanatory caption or paragraph to accompany the badge.

3.  Choose music to be the score for a film version of the novel. Choose music for at least 5 major scenes. Write explanatory notes for each selection. (Turn in a CD or multimedia version like powerpoint or photostory to show liner notes)

4.  Write an argumentative/persuasive essay in Chillingworth’s voice explaining and justifying his actions.

Movie Poster Project

You are the production team for a new film to be made on The Scarlet Letter. You need to present your well-thought decisions, in writing, to the producer (me). Your team has 3 Parts to complete. Your team can be no more than 2 people. You will use Adobe Photoshop of another creative production software to complete this project.

Part 1: Create a Movie Poster

Make a movie poster for your new film based on The Scarlet Letter. This project should be on poster size and have a visual that pertains to the story. In addition, include the rating of the film (PG, PG-13, or R), a listing of the main characters with the actors playing the roles (based on part 1 of this project), and a tagline or teaser line.

(see “Parts of Movie Poster” guide for help)

Your Poster should:

1.  Have title of the film

2.  Main actors (and roles)

3.  Tagline

4.  Visual elements

5.  Rating and Credit Info

Part 2: Written Explanation & Rationale:

You will need to write an explanation of the poster, explaining why that color, picture, what you are attempting to promote with this visual. The decisions about actors to play the parts listed. In your written rationale, you need to describe the character you are casting and then explain why the actor you chose is the best for that part (be specific: for example, think of past roles the actor may have played).
note: I allowed the students to go outside the perimeters of the book, as long as they stuck to the basic ideas of the plot and kept the personalities and relationships of the characters the same. Some groups changed the gender, others the race, and one group even cast the parts as all animated characters.

Getting Started in Photoshop

1.  Open Photoshop CS3.

2.  Select “File” and then “New”

3.  In the new set up window, name your poster.

4.  Change pixels to inches for width and height in the drop down menu. Enter a width of 18” and a height of 24”

5.  Save your poster.

6.  Create your poster.

7.  When you are finished, you must flatten the image. Go to “Layers” and select “Flatten Image.”

8.  Choose “Save As” and save your flattened image under a new name. This will allow you to keep the original layered version so you can make changes, if necessary.

When finished save your project into our class TURN IN folder. You do not need to print your project!

The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary

Vocabulary 1

Vocabulary 2

Somniferous

Somnambulism

Despotic

Sedulous

Expiating

Vicissitude

Potentate

Jocularity

Apotheosized


Parts of a Movie Poster Organizing Sheet

Title:

Tagline:

The Cast:


*Review Quotes if applicable

Large illustration/image that shows:
-Character(s) interacting with the setting

-Critical problem

-Symbolic idea

Director:

Rating (G, PG, PG-13;)

Credits:

*Remember you need a written explanation of your poster, explaining each part and why you chose it.