Chapters 16 – 18 Active Reading Guide Directions: As you read Chapters 16-18 of The Scarlet Letter, examine each character’s motivation and actions, completing the chart below. For help, refer to page 25. Prynne

Plot Points

Motivation

Prediction

Connection

Questions

Dimmesdale

Chillingworth

Name

Period

Chapters 16 – 18 Comprehension Check Directions: As you read each chapter, answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper using complete sentences. Chapter 16 1. What does Pearl say is the reason that the sun shines on her, but not her mother? 2. What does Pearl believe about the scarlet letter? 3. What does Pearl ask Hester when they sit and take a break in the forest? 4. What response does Hester give? 5. What comment does Pearl make about the Black Man and Dimmesdale?

Chapter 17 1. Briefly summarize what Dimmesdale tells Hester when she asks, “Is there no reality in the penitence thus sealed and witnessed by good works? And wherefore should it not bring you peace?” 2. What does Hester reveal to Dimmesdale? What is his reaction? 3. What is the threat that looms over Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale if they reveal Chillingworth’s true identity? 4. What does Hester suggest they do? 5. What is Dimmesdale’s attitude about life at this point? How does he feel emotionally and physically?

Chapter 18 1. Who have been Hester’s teachers in these last seven years, according to the narrator? 2. How has Dimmesdale lived the past seven years? 3. What does Hester do in the middle of the forest that allows the sun to shine on her? 4. How does she feel and look after doing so? 5. Describe Pearl’s relationship with nature.

Name

Period

Chapters 16 – 18 Standards Focus: Symbolism A symbol is a representation of an idea, person, or thing by the use of a picture or other object. Oftentimes, a symbol can be a material object which represents an idea or concept that is not physically tangible. For example, a heart is a symbol for love and a light bulb is a symbol for an idea. The use of symbols in literature for a certain image or character is called symbolism. Symbols help the reader understand and remember a certain character or part of the story by making the novel deeper in meaning and richer in imagery. In The Scarlet Letter, the rose is a symbol for Hester or Pearl. However, in another book, a rose may be a symbol for another character, or maybe even the idea of blossoming love. It could even unexpectedly symbolize death, depending on the image the author wants the reader to perceive when the object is mentioned. Each piece of literature will use its own set of symbols to represent certain elements of the novel as the author wants the reader to see it. Remember, a symbol is not always something the author deliberately points out or mentions, but it is usually something that must be concluded from evidence given in the text. Directions: Complete the chart below by writing both what you think the symbol represents and why, and an example from the text of the symbol being mentioned. Be sure to include chapter, page number, and a direct quote from the book to support your answer.

Symbol

What the symbol represents

Support from the text

the scarlet letter

I think the scarlet letter represents punishment in general because it was a punishment for Hester for the rest of her life. Even though she loves Dimmesdale, she committed a sin according to her religion. I also think it symbolizes beauty because Hester embroiders it beautifully and makes it her own, like a representation of who she is inside.

Ch. 2, pg. 49 “so fantastically embroidered and illuminated upon her bosom.”

Pearl (and her name)

the scaffold

Name

Symbol

the prison

roses/ rose bush

Dimmesdale holding his hand over his heart

the letter A in the night sky

Period

What the symbol represents

Support from the text

Name

Period