the scarlet letter
Final Project
Overview
Students will demonstrate deep critical analysis of Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel through a comprehensive research and creative exploration of the text's complex themes.
Option A
Thematic Research Essay
Objectives
- Analyze one of the novel's central themes
- Develop a sophisticated argumentative thesis
- Use textual evidence and historical context
Research Pathways1. Puritan Social Dynamics2. Gender Expectations in 17th Century Massachusetts3. Psychological Impact of Public Shame4. Symbolism and Moral Complexity
Option B
Multimedia Narrative Reconstruction
Objectives
- Reimagine a key scene from an alternative perspective
- Demonstrate deep character understanding
- Explore narrative complexity
Potential Perspectives
- Reverend Dimmesdale's internal monologue
- Pearl's coming-of-age narrative
- Chillingworth's psychological transformation
Option C
Reputation and Society
Hester Prynne’s sin and her punishment forced her to be separated from the society in which
she lived. While this consequence may seem rather harsh to us in the 21st century, people
today must still deal with the consequences of their actions, even if it is only fallout to their
reputation or relationships with others.
Hester Prynne is not the first literary character to start a story with a reputation. Think of other
films, plays, short stories, or novels that focus on a character’s reputation. Create an art project
that illustrates some of these characters—and their reputations. In your visual display, include
objects that symbolize each character’s reputation. Be prepared to explain why you selected
each character, as well as how the character dealt with the blow to his smeared reputation.
Option D
Hester Prynne today
While the themes of good and evil extend across time, some of the specific plot points
addressed in The Scarlet Letter could only occur in Puritan Massachusetts. Think about how
Hawthorne’s novel could be updated for a modern-day audience. What situation or sin could
you use to symbolize sin? How would the protagonist be made to atone for his or her sin?
Would the legal system or society itself be the main arbiters of justice?
Create a modern-day version of The Scarlet Letter. You may create a written or a video version.
Be sure to think about how to translate the novel into the present day. Your version does not
have to focus on adultery, just a sin that you believe would draw a similarly strong rebuke from
society.
Rubric
Content and Analysis (40 points)
- Depth of thematic understanding
- Complexity of argument
- Quality of textual evidence
Research and Context (25 points)
- Historical accuracy
- Quality of sources
- Integration of external research
Creativity and Presentation (20 points)
- Original interpretation
- Clarity of communication
- Innovative approach
Technical Execution (15 points)
- Grammar and mechanics
- Proper citation
- Formatting
Rubric
Submission Requirements
- 5-7 pages (research essay)
- MLA formatting
- Minimum 4 scholarly sources
- Works cited page
the scarlet letter
Congratulations
The Scarlet Letter: Summative Project Guide
Ashley Campion
Created on October 2, 2025
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Transcript
the scarlet letter
Final Project
Overview
Students will demonstrate deep critical analysis of Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel through a comprehensive research and creative exploration of the text's complex themes.
Option A
Thematic Research Essay
Objectives
- Analyze one of the novel's central themes
- Develop a sophisticated argumentative thesis
- Use textual evidence and historical context
Research Pathways1. Puritan Social Dynamics2. Gender Expectations in 17th Century Massachusetts3. Psychological Impact of Public Shame4. Symbolism and Moral ComplexityOption B
Multimedia Narrative Reconstruction
Objectives
- Explore narrative complexity
Potential PerspectivesOption C
Reputation and Society
Hester Prynne’s sin and her punishment forced her to be separated from the society in which she lived. While this consequence may seem rather harsh to us in the 21st century, people today must still deal with the consequences of their actions, even if it is only fallout to their reputation or relationships with others. Hester Prynne is not the first literary character to start a story with a reputation. Think of other films, plays, short stories, or novels that focus on a character’s reputation. Create an art project that illustrates some of these characters—and their reputations. In your visual display, include objects that symbolize each character’s reputation. Be prepared to explain why you selected each character, as well as how the character dealt with the blow to his smeared reputation.
Option D
Hester Prynne today
While the themes of good and evil extend across time, some of the specific plot points addressed in The Scarlet Letter could only occur in Puritan Massachusetts. Think about how Hawthorne’s novel could be updated for a modern-day audience. What situation or sin could you use to symbolize sin? How would the protagonist be made to atone for his or her sin? Would the legal system or society itself be the main arbiters of justice? Create a modern-day version of The Scarlet Letter. You may create a written or a video version. Be sure to think about how to translate the novel into the present day. Your version does not have to focus on adultery, just a sin that you believe would draw a similarly strong rebuke from society.
Rubric
Content and Analysis (40 points) - Depth of thematic understanding - Complexity of argument - Quality of textual evidence Research and Context (25 points) - Historical accuracy - Quality of sources - Integration of external research Creativity and Presentation (20 points) - Original interpretation - Clarity of communication - Innovative approach Technical Execution (15 points) - Grammar and mechanics - Proper citation - Formatting
Rubric
Submission Requirements
- 5-7 pages (research essay) - MLA formatting - Minimum 4 scholarly sources - Works cited page
the scarlet letter
Congratulations