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Work Hard - Stay Focused - Believe
This the link to the full text for The Carlet Letter: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm
Here are some resources for you to refer to during our unit
Here are some resources for you to refer to during our unit
The purpose and structure of "The Custom-House"
a frame narrative that introduces the fictional origin of the scarlet letter
in this case, the author uses this section to explain the existence of 'the scarlet letter' and therefore legitimize its authenticity
a semi-autobiographical sketch of Hawthorne's time as a customs officer in Salem
the frame story also provides some details about the author's personal and literary life; including his approach to literature
a literary manifesto defending the genre of romance and the writer's role in society
the frame story is also considered a defense of the author's style and approach
Major themes (The Custom House)
Identity & Alienation
Identity & Alienation
Hawthorne's narrator feels disconnected from his bureaucratic role and longs to return to literary life
He critiques the "wearisome old souls" of the Custom House - symbols of stagnation and conformity
This mirrors Hester Prynne's (our protagonist) own alienation from Puritan society
Historical Inheritance
Historical Inheritance
Hawthorne wrestles with his Puritan ancestors: admiring their strength but condemning their intolerance
He imagines their disdain for his profession: "A writer of story-books!"
This ambivalence sets up the novel's critique of moral rigidity
Romance vs. Realism
Romance vs. Realism
Hawthorne defends the romance genre as one that reveals deeper truths than realism
He distinguishes between the "actual" and the "imaginary," arguing that fiction can illuminate moral and psychological truths
Symbolism & Supernaturalism
Symbolism & Supernaturalism
The discovery of the embroidered "A" and manuscript is steeped in gothic mystery
The letter seems to burn the narrator's chest - a moment of symbolic transference
This sets the tone for the symbolic weight of the scarlet letter in the main narrative
Style and Tone
Reflective & Ironic
Reflective & Ironic
Hawthorne's narrator is self-aware, often poking fun at himself and his surroundings
Dense & Ornate
Dense & Ornate
The prose is rich with metaphor, allusion, and philosophical musing
Ambivalent
Ambivalent
The narrator vacillates between pride and shame, nostalgia and critique
Activity: Hawthorne's layered identity
Instructions
Draw a simple outline of a human on a piece of butcher paper, like the figure to the right. Label it "Hawthorne's Persona."
For each of the different body parts you will identify the symbolic layer of Hawthorne's identify by answering each question (provide textual evidence to support your response)
Brain - intellectual beliefs about writing and imagination [what does Hawthorne believe about romance vs realism?]
Heart - emotional conflicts and desires [what does he long for? what frustrates him?]
Hands & feet - actions and roles in the Custom-House [how does he describe his work and colleagues?]
Spine - moral backbone and ancestral legacy [how does his Puritan heritage shape his worldview?]
Eyes - perspective on society and readers [how does he view his audience and their expectations?]
Mouth - narrative voice and tone [what is his attitude - ironic, bitter, playful?]
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