Teacher Guide

The Scarlet Letter Lesson Plan

Introduction to The Scarlet Letter

Hawthorne is perhaps most famous for writing The Scarlet Letter, but also wrote many other influential essays and stories throughout his career. The essential story in this book is of the fallen woman Hester Prynne, who has had a child, Pearl, out of wedlock. The father of the child, Dimmesdale, is the preacher in Hester's community; her husband, Chillingworth, also lives in the community. It is a detailed, small-scale story in Puritan New England that also throws light on larger issues of the human condition. The remarkable protagonist is shown to be an outcast from society but also an exceptional person.

Key Aspects of The Scarlet Letter

Tone

Hawthorne's tone never strays from an...

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2368 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11018 literature essays, 2792 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in