Contents

• Interpretive discussion questions for each chapter, as well as for the novel as a whole. Imagine the lively discussion these sample questions will spark:
  Why is the word adultery never mentioned in the novel?
  Why does Hester embroider the scarlet letter so elaborately?
  Does the meaning of the A change in the course of the novel? If so, how? Who or what is responsible for the change or changes?
  Why does Hester keep wearing the A even after she could remove it?
• Passages and questions for close reading—rich excerpts from the novel accompanied by questions that guide readers through a literary analysis of each passage. The questions ask the reader to analyze specific literary themes, techniques, and terms as part of the interpretive process.
• Suggestions for writing—Postdiscussion analytical and creative writing projects that encourage further exploration of ideas generated in discussion.
• A variety of background and context documents about Puritan New England and the Salem witchcraft trials, along with notes concerning the orgins of the novel, give student readers a clearer understanding of Hawthorne's inspiration. Reviews and essays about how The Scarlet Letter has been received since it was first published are also included.
• Complete text of two of Hawthorne's short stories, "The Minister's Black Veil," and "Ethan Brand," with discussion questions for each. These stories were chosen for their thematic connections to The Scarlet Letter.
• A biography of Hawthorne and a glossary of literary terms.

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