Here are the questions for chapter 19.  Please answer all in your reading journal.  Be prepared to discuss the contents of 17, 18, 19 on Tuesday. As you finish reading 17 & 18, continue to take notes on Hester's actions and descriptive language for Dimmesdale.  This type of close reading/note-taking is an essential academic skill to have.

1. Beyond Hester’s explanation, why won’t Pearl come to Hester without the scarlet letter?
2. What is significant about the fact that Pearl will not bring her the scarlet letter, but makes her pick it up for herself?
3. Why won’t Pearl show any affection to Dimmsdale? Why does she want him to walk with them hand-in-hand in the marketplace?
4. This chapter begins on the same optimistic note that ends the previous chapter. On what kind of note does the chapter end? Why?

Extra credit:
Here is a quote for you to think about:

“Man has been called a rational being, but rationality is a matter of choice—and the alternative his nature offers him is: rational being or suicidal animal. Man has to be man—by choice; he has to hold his life as a value—by choice; he has to learn to sustain it—by choice; he has to discover the values it requires and practice his virtues—by choice. A code of values accepted by choice is a code of morality.”

How does this relate to our characters (Hester, Chillingworth, Dimmesdale)? How does this relate to your life in the next year? Do you agree with it? Disagree? Why? Thoughts, feelings, comments, arguments, rants are welcome.  

Think about the legacy of Dr. King and his message.  Spend a meaningful and reflective Monday.