Chapters Active Reading Guide

Transcription

1 Active Reading Guide Directions: As you read Chapters of The Scarlet Letter, examine each character s motivation and actions, completing the chart below. For help, refer to page 25. Prynne Dimmesdale Chillingworth Plot Points Motivation Prediction Connection Questions 2008 Secondary Solutions The Scarlet Letter Literature Guide

2 Comprehension Check Directions: As you read each chapter, answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper using complete sentences. Chapter What is the topic of the conversation between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth that starts a fight between them? 2. What is Dimmesdale s position on the topic? 3. What does Pearl insinuate about Chillingworth when she playfully tells Hester that they should run away from the graveyard? 4. At the end of the chapter, what does Chillingworth do to Dimmesdale and what is his reaction to what he sees? 5. What do you think he sees? Chapter What is Chillingworth s new obsession and devotion? 2. What do the townspeople think of Dimmesdale? 3. What does Dimmesdale resolve to do, but never acts upon? 4. Aside from Chillingworth s deliberate torment, what causes Dimmesdale to be in constant agony? 5. What does Dimmesdale do at night when he is alone? Chapter Where does Dimmesdale go at the beginning of the chapter? What does he do there? 2. Why are the Rev. Wilson, Hester and Pearl, and Chillingworth out in the middle of the night? 3. What happens that makes it seem like mid-day in the middle of the night? 4. Why won t Pearl tell Dimmesdale who Chillingworth is? 5. What do the townspeople think the letter A in the previous night s sky meant? 2008 Secondary Solutions The Scarlet Letter Literature Guide

3 Standards Focus: Motif A motif is a symbol that appears time and again over the course of the story, reinforcing the themes of a novel. A motif can be an action, symbol, place, statement, or even an object. Although a theme and a motif sound like the same thing, the main difference is that a motif is something that supports the theme (the author s message within the novel). For example, if the theme of a novel is the truth will eventually reveal itself, a motif from that novel might be two or three scenes that are set at night, behind which some sort of truth or secret is hidden, but is eventually revealed as day or light is seen. Directions: To help you learn how to find and understand motifs, fill in the chart as shown in the example. First, using Chapters 1-12 of the novel, fill in the examples of the motif from the text. Then, decide what theme the motifs and examples reveal. If you need more room, continue your answers on a separate sheet of paper. Motif Examples of the Motif What the Motif Reveals Powerful or symbolic character names Pearl was given her name because she was the pearl of great price. Ironically, Pearl does not have the shine and luster of a pearl, but to Hester, she is very valuable and precious. Dimmesdale s name also carries great symbolism, as it is mentioned several times throughout Chapters As his name would imply, his spirit and health are dimming as his sins continue to plague him. Chillingworth s name is also powerful, since his character is chillingly cold, heartless and deceitful as he seeks his revenge. Character names can be important in a novel. Hawthorne was very deliberate in the names he chose for his characters. Often, authors take special care to name their characters so that their names fit and reveal their character. The Devil / Evil Clothing Dimmesdale s hand over his heart Darkness and Daylight 2008 Secondary Solutions The Scarlet Letter Literature Guide

4 Assessment Preparation: Connotation and Denotation The denotation of a word is simply its dictionary definition. The connotation of a word, on the other hand, is the tone or sound of the word. The connotation of a word is better described as the feeling that a word provokes when read in context. Even if two words have the same definition, they may not have the same connotation. For example, a cup and a chalice are essentially the same thing, but the word chalice has a more regal and rich tone to it. A chalice is not just a cup, but an ornately decorated, jewel-covered cup, fit for a king. Directions: On the first line, write the definition (denotation) of the vocabulary word. On the second line, write three synonyms for the vocabulary word. Then, write a sentence using the vocabulary word and replace the word with its synonyms using the same sentence. On the last line, write which of the four words has the most negative connotation to you and why you feel this way. An example has been done for you. Example: ominous having the significance of an omen of evil or harm foreboding, threatening, portentous Sentence: The darkening sky was an ominous sign of the coming storm. The darkening sky was a foreboding sign of the coming storm. The darkening sky was a threatening sign of the coming storm. The darkening sky was a portentous sign of the coming storm. Threatening; it gives the feeling that the danger is near. 1. inimical 2. demerits 2008 Secondary Solutions The Scarlet Letter Literature Guide

5 3. ethereal 4. inextricable 5. expiation 6. zenith 2008 Secondary Solutions The Scarlet Letter Literature Guide

6 7. scurrilous 8. portent 2008 Secondary Solutions The Scarlet Letter Literature Guide