Reading Assignment Topics

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Instructions: Write a page (minimum) in response to each of the following topics. Be as

detailed and as thoughtful as you can. This is not a research exercise. The aim is to encourage
close reading and specific thinking about the texts as part of your preparation before coming to
class. You must be clear and coherent, but thought, attention to detail, and willingness to play with
reasonable possibilities of meaning will all count more than either “expression” or “correctness.”
Handwritten responses are acceptable. Late responses will not be counted.

Bonus: (Not required)

1. In the opening scaffold scene, what is the role of the women?

2. In the first half of the novel, how is Hester characterized? What specific traits does she have,
and do these seem—for Hawthorne—positive qualities?

3. How does the characterization of Pearl reflect Hawthorne’s views of the conflict between nature and
civilization, freedom and repression?

Due: Wednesday, November 4