The Scarlet Letter and Class Discussion
Discussion Questions for Literature Groups
In your groups, go over your assigned questions and write down your answers in your Notes section of your reading notebook. While you are only required to answer your assigned questions, feel free to take notes during our class discussion. Once we open to class discussion, you and your group will lead the discussion for your assigned questions. Make sure that everyone in your group speaks during the class discussion.
Chapter 3 1. Why is this chapter called "The Recognition?" Who recognizes whom? 2. Describe the man Hester sees in the crowd. 3. " 'A wise sentence!' remarked the stranger . . ." (60). What is happening in the chapter at this point? What sentence is being discussed here?
4. Even though it is a "wise sentence," there is a problem. What is that problem the stranger finds?
5. What vow does the stranger take in his next few words? 6. What information is Master Dimmesdale expected to obtain from Hester? 7. Why is it his responsibility? 1. Paraphrase Dimmesdale's speech that begins " 'Hester Prynne,' said he, leaning over the balcony." 2. What is Hester's response? 3. The Puritan life was centered on God and religion. The pastor of a congregation was as responsible for his attendants as a shepherd was for his sheep. Consider Dimmesdale's reaction to Hester's response. Why would Dimmesdale react in such a way? Does this seem a little out of character for a Puritan pastor?
Chapter 4 4. Here is where we find out who the man from the previous chapter is. Who is he? 5. The man visits Hester and offers her something for her child. What does he offer her and what is her response? Why does she react this way? 6. About halfway into the chapter, this man begins to describe himself. Write down some lines used to describe his relationship with Hester and to describe him. 7. Why does this man want to know who the father of the child is? Give quotes to support your answer.
In your groups, go over your assigned questions and write down your answers in your Notes section of your reading notebook. While you are only required to answer your assigned questions, feel free to take notes during our class discussion. Once we open to class discussion, you and your group will lead the discussion for your assigned questions. Make sure that everyone in your group speaks during the class discussion.
Chapter 3 1. Why is this chapter called "The Recognition?" Who recognizes whom? 2. Describe the man Hester sees in the crowd. 3. " 'A wise sentence!' remarked the stranger . . ." (60). What is happening in the chapter at this point? What sentence is being discussed here?
4. Even though it is a "wise sentence," there is a problem. What is that problem the stranger finds?
5. What vow does the stranger take in his next few words? 6. What information is Master Dimmesdale expected to obtain from Hester? 7. Why is it his responsibility? 1. Paraphrase Dimmesdale's speech that begins " 'Hester Prynne,' said he, leaning over the balcony." 2. What is Hester's response? 3. The Puritan life was centered on God and religion. The pastor of a congregation was as responsible for his attendants as a shepherd was for his sheep. Consider Dimmesdale's reaction to Hester's response. Why would Dimmesdale react in such a way? Does this seem a little out of character for a Puritan pastor?
Chapter 4 4. Here is where we find out who the man from the previous chapter is. Who is he? 5. The man visits Hester and offers her something for her child. What does he offer her and what is her response? Why does she react this way? 6. About halfway into the chapter, this man begins to describe himself. Write down some lines used to describe his relationship with Hester and to describe him. 7. Why does this man want to know who the father of the child is? Give quotes to support your answer.