Description
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic American novel masterfully explores not only the historical and moral roots of America, but the terrible results of one sinful act upon all those involved. Hawthorne mixes Puritanism with the birth of Romanticism as he examines sin, guilt, vengeance, and redemption.
Hester Prynne has traveled alone to America to prepare a home for herself and her husband. In her husband's long absence Hester commits adultery and gives birth to a child. In accordance with the town's strict moral law, Hester is punished, (though leniently for this time period). She is sentenced to stand for several hours on the town's scaffold exposed to public shame and to wear a scarlet "A" for the rest of her life.
Hester's partner in sin, a prominent member of the community, remains silent about his own guilt, and Hester refuses to reveal his identity. Meanwhile, Hester's long-absent husband, Roger Chillingworth, returns on the very day Hester must endure her public humiliation. He decides to remain silent concerning his own identity but determines to seek revenge on Hester's lover.
Scarlet Letter Digital Download Literature Study Guide
Formatted with your High School student in mind, Progeny Press literature study guides provide in-depth lessons and writing assignments that strengthen reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, and develop advanced literary analysis and essay writing skills. Each guide challenges students to think critically and engage meaningfully with the text, without unnecessary busywork that diminishes the joy of reading.
For over 30 years, homeschool families, co-ops, and Christian schools worldwide have trusted Progeny Press to provide rigorous, faith-based English and Language Arts curriculum that inspires thoughtful readers and confident writers.
What Progeny Press' Scarlet Letter Literature Curriculum Digital Study Guide provides your High School student:
ELA Built for Ages 15–18 • Grades 9–12
Our faith-based literature study guide helps students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
English/Language Arts Credit: This High School level literature curriculum offers a one-quarter credit for students.
Background Information: Take some time to research and learn about the early history of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Romanticism, and Transcendentalism.
Author Biography: Discover the life and background of Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Vocabulary: Enhance your vocabulary by learning and practicing words used throughout the novel through various activities that help you boost your word knowledge.
Literary Techniques: Explore essential literary elements such as grammar and parts of speech, root words, foreshadowing, imagery, synonyms, personification, and compare & contrast.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Reflect on important moral lessons and character values depicted in the story, including keeping secrets, lying, shame, penance, martyrdom, judging others, correction, pride, vengeance, confession, subjective morality, and reconciliation with God.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Choose from a variety of activities such as analysis papers on civil government, the biblical view of sin, and the biblical response to people. Conduct research on Brook Farm, a notable experiment in communal living. Write a point-of-view summary essay on a specific aspect of the novel. Explore Puritanism through a research paper. Analyze patterns and themes within the novel to deepen your understanding.
Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
What Will You Need?
A Complete Language Arts Experience with Progeny Press
- A copy of the Scarlet Letter novel
- A copy of the Scarlet Letter study guide
- A Bible (digital or physical)
- A dictionary (child-friendly or online)
Created for upper-level learners, this guide strengthens critical thinking and encourages polished writing while helping students master essential ELA concepts.
Designed for YOU
- Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
- Schools looking for top quality ELA materials
- Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
- Co-ops and small group instruction
These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and writing program.
Features and Benefits FAQ - Progeny Press ELA PDF Study Guide:
Why Schools & Families Love Our Study Guides:
- Faith-Based Curriculum: Each guide is rooted in Christian values, helping students grow academically while learning in a faith-aligned environment
- Proven Success: Trusted by homeschool families, co-ops, and Christian schools for more than 30 years.
- Easy to Follow & Open-and-Go: Designed for simplicity and flexibility. Just open and start learning.
- Biblical Connections: Every study promotes meaningful discussions that tie literature themes to Scripture and real-life application.
- Adaptable for Any Setting: Works beautifully in homeschools, classrooms, or co-ops and supports different learning styles and teaching methods.
- Thoughtfully Structured Lessons: Integrates literature analysis with biblical truth, helping students strengthen both academic understanding and spiritual growth.
- Engaging, Hands-On Activities: Includes projects, creative assignments, research papers, writing assignments, and interactive exercises that support reading comprehension and make learning memorable.
- No Busywork: Every activity is purposeful, faith-filled, and designed to deepen understanding—not fill time.
- Comprehensive Literature Coverage: Features classic and contemporary works that build strong literary foundations and critical thinking.
- Support for Parents & Teachers: Includes practical tips, clear instructions, and full answer keys to make teaching simple and effective.
Digital Format Details:
- Download instantly—no shipping required
- Works on Mac, PC, and most tablets
- Fillable form fields allow on-screen answers or easy printing
- No costly software purchases necessary. PDF files open in the FREE Adobe Reader program.
Note: Mobile devices may require an alternative app that supports and saves fillable form fields and interactive features. - Conveniently print what you need, when you need it
- Print the whole ELA study guide at once
- Print single literature lessons or pages as the student completes them
- Print multiple copies of the entire curriculum study guide for classroom sets
All of Progeny Press' language arts PDF download unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
