Sin, Guilt, Dimmesdale
I. Powerpoint
A. Background information
1. The major points of the novel
2. Hester Prynne, Dimmesdale and Chillingworth’s individual traits and characteristics
3. Each character’s relation and connection to Hester Prynne
4. Each character’s role in Hester’s life
B. Focus of the novel (T.U.L.I.P.)
1. Adultery
a. Total depravity – how everyone is born with sin
b. How this relates to Adam and Eve
c. how Adam and Eve compare with Hester and Dimmesdale
d. What the scarlet letter symbolizes and represents
e. How the scarlet letter transforms Hester and enables her to grow as a character throughout the novel
2. Guilt
a. Impact Dimmesdale and Hester’s guilt begin to have on their physical appearance
b. How it begins to affect Dimmesdale and Hester’s judgement both negatively and positively
c. How Dimmesdale and Hester react and cope with their guilt
3. Humanity
a. How Dimmesdale and Hester are ostracized from society
b. How this compares to Adam and Eve and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden
c. How Dimmesdale becomes more and more segregated from society as he refuses to confess his adultery
d. How Dimmesdale isolates himself physically and mentally and spiritually deteriorates
e. How Hester is able to become a part of society once again through the scarlet letter
4. Reference to the Bible
a. Hester and Dimmesdale are both made “perfect beings” (youthful, beautiful, etc)
b. How sin and knowledge are linked
c. Sin results in