The Scarlet Letter of the Law in
Puritan New England
A
webquest modified from Mary K. Bauer’s and Jennifer Frandsen
Often
in literature characters are influenced by the religious and social customs of the
period in which they live. Researching various aspects of Puritan life
during the seventeenth century in America will help you gain insight into the setting,
characters, and conflicts you will encounter when we begin reading The Scarlet
Letter. You will also see the parallels to modern day life that makes these
works of literature timeless.
The Task
- In
preparation for reading Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, you will be expected to
research various events and aspects of Puritan life in the
1600s. You will also explore the author's biography and relate them
to the literary themes we will be studying.
- You
will use the Web links to obtain information on the following topics:
- Biography of Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Daily Life in Salem in the 1600s
- Puritanism and Government
- Crime and Punishment
The Process
I. Biography of Nathaniel Hawthorne
Answer the following questions about Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Answer the following questions about Nathaniel Hawthorne.
- Give
some details about Hawthorne's early life and family.
- How
did his Puritan heritage influence him?
- How
did Hawthorne perceive nature?
- What
was his opinion of women writers?
- What
are some common themes that appear in his works?
- Compare
Hawthorne to a modern author or screenwriter.
II. Daily Life in
Salem
Answer the following questions about daily life in the 1600s in Puritan New England.
Answer the following questions about daily life in the 1600s in Puritan New England.
- Describe
the clothing worn by men and women in Salem. What types of fabrics
were used?
- How
did their clothing support their religious views?
- Describe
the types of homes that probably existed in Salem. Explain what a palisade
is and why it was necessary.
- Describe
the family life of Puritans?
- Describe
a Puritan meal.
- How
did their food and eating habits support their religious views?
- Compare the Puritan daily life to your own.
Daily Life in Salem Web Links
III. Puritanism and
Government
Answer the following questions about Puritanism.
Answer the following questions about Puritanism.
- What
are the basic Puritan beliefs? List at least five.
- What
is predestination?
- How
would Puritans view those of other faiths?
- Why
did Puritans come to the New World?
- List
five forces undermining Puritanism in the 1600s.
- What
is a theocracy and how would it affect the view of Salem residents toward
witchcraft?
- Compare
how Puritan government and ours today.
Puritanism and Government Web Links
Background on Puritan Theology
Background on Puritan Theology
IV. Crime and Punishment
You have just entered the
seventeenth century of Puritan crime and punishment. You have been found guilty
of a crime, and now you will be punished for it. The crime and punishment is up
to you; but keep in mind that you are now a Puritan, so you need to share your
impressions, ideas, and beliefs concerning events as a Puritan would have
witnessed them.
1. According to the “Articles, Lawes
and Orders” that Virginia ministers were required to read to their
congregations every Sunday, what was the punishment for failing to attend
church?
2. What was Boston Roger picked up for and what
was his punishment?
3. Give an example of these strict laws
being applied to a child.
4. What was Captain Kemble punished
for? Do you believe his punishment was justified? Why or why not?
5. Which sex crimes were outlawed?
6. As outraged as you may be by Thomas
Grangerford’s behavior, what are your thoughts on the punishment both he and
the animals received?
7. Most early systems of justice were predicated
on the concepts of vengeance and deterrence, but how did Colonial practice take
the matter a step further?
8. What were the stocks, bilboes,
ducking stools, the brank, whipping posts, pillories, branding and maiming, the
gallows, and which crime was associated which each?
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