The Scarlet Letter

Lesson 21
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 7

11th Grade

Lesson 21 of 26

Objective


Identify and analyze Hawthorne’s use of juxtaposition in “A New England Holiday.”

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne  — Chapter 21: A New England Holiday

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Question 1

Which statement best describes a technique Hawthorne uses to characterize the Puritans on pp. 105–106?

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Question 2

The author uses Pearl’s phrase, “here in the sunny day, and among all the people, he knows us not,” to develop the idea that

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Question 3

Choose one example of juxtaposition in Chapter 21, and explain how it develops the theme of hypocrisy.

Question 4

What “secret and fearful meaning” does Chillingworth’s smile convey at the end of the chapter? Explain.

Key Questions


  • Track evidence throughout the chapter that describes the “holiday” that is being celebrated and what the celebration looks like.
  • How does the narrator describe Hester’s clothing on p. 103? What is juxtaposed with the appearance of her clothing? What is the impact of this juxtaposition?
  • What does the narrator mean that Hester is “already dead” on p. 104? What hope do we know she is secretly holding inside despite this outward appearance?
  • How does the narrator describe Pearl? What is she juxtaposed against? How does Hawthorne use this juxtaposition to develop mood?
  • How does Hawthorne develop the motif of light and dark on p. 105? How does this motif contribute to the theme of hypocrisy?
  • Track the narrator’s description of the festivities and of the Puritan people. Who does he juxtapose them against on pp. 106–107 (two or three separate groups)? How does this juxtaposition help to further characterize the Puritans? How does it help reveal Hawthorne’s opinion of or tone toward the Puritans?
  • Who is the narrator describing here? How does Hawthorne develop the theme of hypocrisy in this line? “They transgressed without fear or scruple, the rules of behavior that were binding on all others.” (p. 107)
  • Track the narrator’s juxtaposition of the sea and the land. How does he characterize them differently? To what effect?
  • Who approaches the shipmaster to talk? (p. 108)
  • What does Hester learn in her conversation with the mariner? What impact does this news have on Hester’s hope for the future? Why? 
  • Why is Chillingworth joining them? What does this scene foreshadow? Why? 

Next

Analyze the author’s development of the plot, symbols, and themes of the novel in Chapter 22.

Lesson 22
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free