The Scarlet Letter
Choose the assignment you feel will best suit your learning style.
DUE NOVEMBER 17th. If you use any sources, you must document them correctly.
1. Linguistic- Essay
Nathaniel Hawthorne did not write this novel as a historical document. In your opinion, what might have been his motive for writing this novel? Present your theory, and support it with details from the text. Remember to use short quotes from the novel! You may use up to two outside sources, but remember to use quote marks and correct MLA citation format if you do. Length: 3-4 pages typed.
OR: Watch the two (or all of) movie versions of The Scarlet Letter (1934, 1979, 1995). Read 2 reviews for each movie (print the reviews and attach to your essay). Then, write one review in which you discuss the entertainment value of these movies. Write a second review intended for teachers, recommending which version would be most useful as a tool for teaching the novel. LENGTH: one page each review.
2. Spatial: drawing
Illustrate the novel; one illustration per chapter. Illustrations must be accurate to the textual details, but should also be chosen with care to demonstrate that you are able to judge the key turning points and symbolic moments of the story. At the bottom of each illustration write one line- a quote or a description/ explanation and the page number. You may use different formats for the illustrations, such as pencil sketches, crayon, paint. You may make some realistic, others can be more abstract. You may NOT use computer images of any kind.
OR: Create a patchwork quilt that Hester (OR Dimmesdale) would give to Pearl as a gift when she marries, telling her your story in pictures. You may draw the pictures on cloth or paper, and tape/sew them together. We want a full sized quilt that would cover a twin size bed! You may use collages, appliques, those things they sell for scrapbooking, or better yet- make your own. Have fun. Aim for 30-40 squares.
3. Logical-mathematical – listing, counting
· On a detailed map of the area. Include the homes of the various characters, the forest, etc.
· Figure out the time frame for the story, creating a realistic time line for the events.
· Research details about medicine of the times, both of settlers and Natives; list the references in the text to medicine/medical practices, and note which are realistic, and any information you can find about them.
· Calculate the cost of the items Hester creates in today’s world based on information given in the text.
· Look for any other logical/mathematical details you can find!
· Prepare a presentation on PowerPoint, or a presentation board, binder, etc.
Aim for at least 20 artifacts.
4. Interpersonal – discussing, planning
Work with another student and co-teach a class on the novel. Create an interactive lesson (30 minutes) which involves all students. You may choose to do a close reading of one chapter, explore factual inspiration for the novel, or any other lesson you feel would be useful. Please discuss with Ms. Simon!
5. Bodily-Kinesthetic-- acting out
With 1-3 other students, write and perform a skit based on the novel (school appropriate!!). You need 4 short acts- the first should offer exposition, the second rising action, the third the climax, the forth, resolution. You may perform in class or video your performance. (25-30 minutes).
6. Musical-rhythmic – song
You are going to propose The Scarlet Letter- The Broadway Musical. Write the lyrics and then perform the songs as part of your proposal portfolio. You need 6 songs. One must be specific to Hester, one for Pearl, one for Chillingworth, one for Dimmesdale; the rest are up to you. You may have songs of mourning, love songs, etc. You may perform in class or bring a recording/video. You may work with ONE other student, as long as both write and perform equally. (one might play an instrument, the other might sing)
7. Intrapersonal—emotions, introspection
You are a therapist. Pick a character from the novel, and write up your meeting notes for that character’s weekly sessions with you. In your entries, record events the characters tells you about, and your interpretation of his/her reactions. Also include your suggestions- your recommendations to that character to help him/her cope with his/her issues. Chillingworth would probably be the most interesting to work with! At the end of your entries, write a summative assessment of that patient’s problems and hopes for emotional recovery. (P.S. You would not know if your patient vanished because he/she was dead or had just decided to stop therapy)
OR:
Choose a character, and keep a diary from the 1st person perspective. You will have to infer a bit for this one, depending on who you choose. If your character dies, the journal would be found after his/her death, and the last entry would be the last events that the character could REALISTICALLY have been able to write about.
Must have 25 entries, each about ½ page long. NO MORE!