Worksheet on The Scarlet Letter: Symbolism
English
Year 9
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A worksheet focusing on the analysis and annotation of symbolism in The Scarlet Letter for Year 9 students.
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Worksheet on The Scarlet Letter: Symbolism
Subject: EnglishGrade: Year 9
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade Year 9
A
Introduction to Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, symbolism plays a crucial role in illustrating the moral and emotional landscape of the characters. The novel is set in a Puritan community, where Hester Prynne is publicly shamed for her adultery. The scarlet letter itself—an 'A'—becomes a complex symbol of shame, guilt, and eventually, resilience. Hawthorne uses various symbols such as the letter, the scaffold, and Pearl to explore themes of sin, redemption, and societal judgment. The letter's colour and material change in significance over the course of the story, reflecting Hester's evolving self-awareness. Additionally, other symbols like the forest, representing natural freedom versus societal strictness, contribute to the layered meaning of the text. Hawthorne's subtle use of language and imagery invites readers to interpret these symbols on multiple levels, revealing the moral struggles faced by the characters and the societal hypocrisies embedded within the community.
B
Questions on Symbolism and Technique
Answer the following questions based on the summary and your understanding of the novel. Use evidence from the text where appropriate.
1.
What does the scarlet letter 'A' initially symbolise in the novel?
[2 marks]2.
Describe how Hawthorne's use of imagery in the description of the scarlet letter contributes to its symbolism.
[4 marks]3.
Identify a literary technique Hawthorne uses to deepen the meaning of the letter in the story.
Aa) Metaphor
Bb) Personification
Cc) Foreshadowing
Dd) Irony
4.
Explain the significance of the forest as a symbol in the novel.
[3 marks]5.
How does Hawthorne's choice of colour for the letter evolve throughout the story?
[2 marks]6.
Analyse how Hawthorne’s language creates a mood that enhances the symbolism.
[4 marks]7.
Choose one symbol from the novel and suggest a modern reinterpretation of its meaning.
8.
Reflect on how Hawthorne's use of symbols contributes to the novel’s overall message about morality and society.
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Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet