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The ScArlet Letter-

a Badge of Intolerance?

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Aims of the lesson:- to practise expressing opinions and giving

arguments aboutHester Prynne’ s case

- to compare and contrast a movie scene with a fragment from

the novel

- to practise four viewing strategies: summarizing, questioning,

characterizing and connecting

- to discuss the necessity of punishment and its various

implications (moral, emotional, social, educational etc)

- to practise critical thinking skills and develop attitudes of

empathy, tolerance and compassionate treatment of others

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Activity 1. What does THE SCARLET LETTER mean to you?

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Activity 2: Compare and contrast

Watch a scene from the movie “The Scarlet Letter”.

Compare and contrast the scene with thecorresponding fragments from the novel,

Chapter II - TheMarket Place and Chapter III -“The

Recognition”.

(Timing: 10 minutes)

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Activity 3: Reciprocal TeachingUse one of the viewing strategies below to discuss the movie scene: summarizing, questioning, characterizing and connecting. After watching the scene, take notes based on your chosen strategy and be prepared to lead a discussion in front of your class.

Timing: 10 minutes

Summarizing Questioning Characterizing Connecting

Beyond retelling what happens in the scene, identify what

you think are the three most important

details from the fragment and explain

why they are important.

Ask at least three questions about the scene; these could include questions

that address confusing parts or thought questions

that the scene makes you wonder about.

Portray the three characters who

appear in the scene –Mr. Wilson, Hester

Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale - by referring to their

gestures and choice of words.

Make at least three connections between the ideas or events in

the scene to your own experience, the world today or other

movies you have seen.

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Evaluation GridCompetence No of Ss to attain the

competence

Summarizing the movie scene

….out of 30

Questioning …. out of 30

Characterizing …. out of 30

Connecting ….out of 30

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Activity 4:

Watch the second scene from the movie “The Scarlet

Letter” and answer the following questions:

1. How was the idea of punishment born? Why?

2. What does the “scarlet letter” mean to :- Hester Prynne?- Arthur Dimmesdale?- the authorities/ officials?- the community members ?- Pearl?3. Why do you think that justice is done

differentlynowadays?

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Activity 5: Student feedback

On individual sheets of paper do the following:

1. Write something you liked about the activity.

2. Write something you have learned.3. Write something you didn’t

like/understand.4. Share a thought or feelings you didn’t havethe time or the courage to share.5. Make a suggestion for the next English

class.

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Homework

Answer the following question using no more than 150 words:

“Do people have the right to label other people?”