<p> Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter Envelope Close Reading Activity</p><p>Directions: Each student will be given an envelope with one of the following close reading topics on it. Throughout his/her reading the student is to copy passages onto index cards or small slips of paper and put them in the envelope. Be sure to record the page number, chapter number and speaker of each quote you select.</p><p>Groups will meet periodically and share the contents of each student’s envelopes and discuss why the passage was selected and the effect of the quoted passage on the meaning of the work as a whole. Some days groups will be formed by students with the same topic and on others the group will consist of different topics. Envelope contents may also be used to guide discussion in class and as quiz grades. Write legibly on the slips as some days the envelopes will be swapped and students will write an analysis of the excerpts in a classmate’s envelope.</p><p>Envelope 1. The meaning of the symbol A shifts in the novel. Look for quotes that demonstrate the symbolism of the A throughout the novel and indicate a shift.</p><p>Envelope 2: A conflict exists between Conformity and Individuality in the novel. Look for passages that represent this conflict. </p><p>Envelope 3: Puritan code clearly utilizes public punishment, although some people prefer private punishment. Look for significant passages/ quotes that address either or both public and private punishment.</p><p>Envelope 4: Hawthorne frequently juxtaposes dark and light symbolism frequently in the novel. Look for quotes / passages that stress light and/ or dark.</p><p>Envelope 5: The effects of guilt and obsession are profound in this novel. Look for passages that indicate the effect of guilt or obsession on an individual and those who surround him/her.</p><p>Envelope 6: Secrecy Benjamin Franklin admonished secret keeping with his famous aphorism: “Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.” Yet the characters in this novel are quite good at keeping secrets. Look for passages / quotes that capture the true essence of secrets and the power that lies with them. What would happen if the secrets were revealed to just certain individuals or the entire town?</p><p>Envelope 7: Pearl is the medium through which two characters are able to express their true identity. Look for passages that support this premise. Envelope 1. The meaning of the symbol A shifts in the novel. Look for quotes that demonstrate the symbolism of the A throughout the novel and indicate a shift.</p><p>Envelope 2: A conflict exists between Conformity and Individuality in the novel. Look for passages that represent this conflict. </p><p>Envelope 3: Puritan code clearly utilizes public punishment, although some people prefer private punishment. Look for significant passages/ quotes that address either or both public and private punishment.</p><p>Envelope 4: Hawthorne frequently juxtaposes dark and light symbolism frequently in the novel. Look for quotes / passages that stress light and/ or dark.</p><p>Envelope 5: The effects of guilt and obsession are profound in this novel. Look for passages that indicate the effect of guilt or obsession on an individual and those who surround him/her.</p><p>Envelope 6: Secrecy Benjamin Franklin once said: “Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.” Yet the characters in this novel are quite good at keeping secrets. Look for passages / quotes that capture the true essence of secrets and the power that lies with them. What would happen if the secrets were revealed to just certain individuals or the entire town?</p><p>Envelope 7: Pearl is the medium through which two characters are able to communicate and express their true identity. Look for passages that support this premise.</p>