The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne

While reading this book aloud in english my junior year of high school I was completely enthralled. I did not read it again until I decided to use it for this book club. As I began the book I instantly remembered why I loved it.

Nathaniel Hawthorne vividly describes not only the physical puritanical world Hester Prynne is living in but also the social and emotional aspects of it as well. His imagery is beautiful and the moral lessons, though never clearly stated, are hidden throughout the text for each reader to find and then make his her own judgement.

This is a fabulous novel about a woman publicly scorned for her sins and how she, in the end, rises above all who choose to condemn her.

(At leas that's my point of view-Yours may differ completely)

Discussion Questions

1. The very first, very short chapter of the book entitled "The Prison-Door," is iconic in the history of literature. It paints the opening picture of yet another iconic scene of literature. The final focus of the chapter centers around a wild-rose bush growing by the prison door. Nathaniel Hawthorne suggest that this bush symbolizes "some sweet moral blossom, that may be found along the track..."
What moral blossoms did you find in your reading?

2. Do you view Arthur Dimsdale as a saint and a martyr, trying to do what is best for the good of his congregation; or do you see him as a coward unable to accept the full consequences of his actions?

3. From his first appearance in "The Market-Place," Roger Chillingworth is portrayed as a hideous character both with-in and with-out. As the story unfolds and we see his deeds grow more and more selfish and ugly, was there ever a moment where you felt the slightest amount of sympathy for him?

4. What are your general feelings about Pearl, and the way Hester adorns her?

Future Book Suggestions

Please leave your suggestions in the comment box.

Thanks!