Understanding Puritan Society in The Scarlet Letter: A Science Fiction Perspective
English
Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
This worksheet explores the depiction of Puritan society in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, through the lens of science fiction. Students will analyze a summarized scene and extract thematic elements relevant to societal judgment and morality, comparing it to themes in science fiction narratives.
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Understanding Puritan Society in The Scarlet Letter: A Science Fiction Perspective
Subject: EnglishGrade: Grade 8
Name:
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade Grade 8
A
Scene Summary and Context
In a distant future, society has adopted rigid moral codes reminiscent of Puritan ideals, but with a technological twist. Citizens are monitored continuously through advanced surveillance, and moral judgments are enforced by a central AI system. Amidst this, a young innovator is accused of creating forbidden technology that could undermine societal order. The community, observing strict rules of conformity and morality, reacts with suspicion and condemnation. The AI system, echoing Puritan values, issues harsh punishments based on recorded 'offenses.' The scene underscores themes of societal control, morality, and the fear of the unknown—paralleling Hawthorne's critique of the rigid judgment of his Puritan society, but set within a high-tech, science fiction context. Phrases such as 'surveillance state,' 'moral codex,' and 'judgment algorithms' highlight the technological overlay on societal norms.
B
Comprehension Questions
Answer the following questions based on the scene summary provided.
1.
What parallels can be drawn between the AI system in the scene and the Puritan society described in The Scarlet Letter?
[2 marks]2.
Identify and explain one literary technique used in the scene summary to emphasize the oppressive nature of society.
[2 marks]3.
How does the depiction of technology in this scene change or enhance the themes found in The Scarlet Letter?
[2 marks]4.
Describe how the community's reaction in the scene mirrors the Puritan community’s treatment of Hester Prynne.
[2 marks]5.
Analyze the use of the phrase 'judgment algorithms.' What does it suggest about the nature of morality in this society?
[2 marks]6.
Identify a metaphor used in the scene summary and explain its significance.
[2 marks]7.
In what ways does the futuristic setting alter the moral conflict seen in The Scarlet Letter?
[2 marks]8.
Write a brief paragraph analyzing how the scene summary uses science fiction elements to reflect on moral issues.
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Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet