English IIIWriter’s Notebook

Puritan Notes – 9/2

Puritan – broad term, referring to a number of Protestant groups that sought to “purify” the Church of England.

The Puritan way of life was based on the following beliefs:

1. God's grace (predestination); each evildoer provided a visible lesson to teach others to resist temptation.

2. a simple, purified religion

3. a divine mission

The Scarlet Letter – CAT 9/3

MUST BE IN COMPLETE SENTENCES!!!

Why do you think Hawthorne would begin the story with a reflection about the need for a cemetery and a prison?

What does the public’s view of Hester’s sin suggest about this society?

Considering the common use of physiognomy in pre-twentieth-century literature, what might Hawthorne be suggesting by portraying Hester as extremely beautiful?

The Scarlet Letter – CAT 9/8

ALL ABOUT HESTER

Kathryn Harrison, in her Introduction to this volume, asserts that Hester Prynne can be seen in many ways as the first great modern heroine in American literature. Do you agree?

Critics are divided over Hawthorne’s attitude to Hester’s affair, and whether the novel ultimately condemns or condones her actions. What do you think Hawthorne’s views are? What are your own?

The Scarlet Letter – CAT 9/11

What would YOUR letter be??? – Letter of the alphabet… Hester’s is an A

Describe in DETAIL why and what it would look like… You can even draw a picture

TSL Essential Questions

How does the time in which one lives impact one’s beliefs and actions?

In what ways does society use stigmas in order to deem what is socially acceptable?

Is sin a conflict with oneself, society, or God? Should there be punishment, and if so, by whom?

Can there be mitigating circumstances that exonerate a “sinner”?

Does love always conquer all?

Are women held to a different moral standard than men?

Deep Thoughts – 9/22

½ page to a page about whatever deep thoughts are in your brain…

WWYD – 9/23

If you saw your best friends boyfriend kissing another girl would you tell her?

If your significant other goes out with the guys, or the girls, and you got to see a video of the entire night, do you think you would have any reason to be mad?

Brain Time – 9/24DJ wants to go home but can't, because the man in the mask is waiting for him.

Joe, wearing a mask and carrying an empty sack, leaves his house. An hour later he returns with a full sack. He goes into a room and turns out the lights. – What was Joe just doing?

There are two pieces of coal, a carrot and a pipe lying together in the middle of a field. What happened?