Scarlet Letter Philosophical Chairsl

Philosophical Chairs: The scarlet letter

Exploring Morality, Guilt, and Redemption in The Scarlet Letter

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Lesson objective

Students will engage in a structured Philosophical Chairs discussion to critically analyze central moral and thematic questions in The Scarlet Letter. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: Articulate and defend a position on a key moral question from the text. Listen actively and respond respectfully to differing viewpoints. Use textual evidence to support their arguments.

Warm up:

• In The Scarlet Letter, characters like Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth face moral choices that define their lives.

• Question: Do you believe that one mistake should define a person’s entire character?
• Why or why not?
• Answer in the chat!

What is philosophical Chairs?

Definition & Overview: What Is Philosophical Chairs?

Philosophical Chairs is a structured discussion strategy where students take a stance on a controversial or thought-provoking statement and engage in respectful dialogue.

• One side represents “Agree,” the other “Disagree.”

• If you’re unsure or conflicted, you may sit in the “Undecided” section.

• During discussion, you can change your position if another argument persuades you.

• The goal is not to “win,” but to listen, think, and understand multiple perspectives.

Discussion Norms:

• Use evidence from the text to support points.

• Listen actively; don’t interrupt.

• Summarize the previous speaker’s point before responding.

• Maintain respectful tone and language.

step one: discussion statements

• “Hester Prynne is more morally courageous than Arthur Dimmesdale.”

• “Public punishment is more destructive than private guilt.”

• “Revenge is a natural and justified response to betrayal.”

• “Society has the right to judge an individual’s morality.”

• Consider the following statements. For each statement, write down if you agree or disagree along with a brief explanation.

step Three: discussion (35 minutes)

step TWo: preparation (5 minutes)

• We will begin by using a reaction emoji, poll response, or typing in the chat to indicate whether you agree, disagree, or remain neutral on a central statement or question about the text.
• One student from each side unmutes or uses the raise hand feature to present their argument, providing textual evidence and reasoning to support their position while other students keep cameras on and mics muted to actively listen.
• After hearing arguments from both sides, students may change their position by updating their emoji reaction or poll response if their perspective has shifted, and volunteers can unmute to explain what changed their thinking.
• The discussion continues with new speakers from each side unmuting to build on previous arguments or introduce new evidence, with the chat available for students to share quotes, ask clarifying questions, or signal they want to speak next.

• Choose a stance (Agree / Disagree / Undecided) and write one piece of textual evidence or reasoning to support their view.

step five: reflection (10 minutes)

• Choose a stance (Agree / Disagree / Undecided) and write one piece of textual evidence or reasoning to support their view.
• You will do this in the Padlet ( I will give you the link)
• If you don't finish in class the Padlet becomes homework 😉

💬 How You’ll Be Graded

Exit Ticket

What was the most compelling argument you heard today, and why did it resonate with you? Include which side presented it. Answer in the chat!

great work today!