***EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT***
Easy A - IF you saw the movie, you know that it is a modern day tale with some
similarities to The Scarlet Letter. Answer the following questions and turn
in to the box NOT LATER THAN 1:15 on WED. SEPT. 29.
1. Unlike the Puritan Society that Hawthorne described, there are many vocal
minorities today that try to impose their will on society (such as the group
that judged Olive in the movie). What are some of those groups (focus on
groups other than religion), how do they try to "convert" others, and how far
should society go in allowing factions to dictate standards?
2. Olive, like Hester, breaks societal taboos in the name of feminism;
however, Olive had a much different support system in place. How did that
effect her experience? How much of both women's experiences were deserved?
Support your answers with specific references.
3. There is one decision that Olive makes that she says she "regrets the
most." Do you agree that this was the worst thing she did? What do you think
her motivation was, and did it make things better or worse?
4. Part of the reason Dimmesdale's secret was so shocking was because of his
position in the community. Who was his Easy A counterpart, and was that
person's secret just as shocking when revealed as Dimmesdale's was? Support
your answer.
ALTERNATE EXTRA CREDIT: If you choose not to see Easy A, you may write your
own Declaration of Independence, as we discussed in class. This should be
typed, double spaced, and should mirror the structure that Jefferson used.
This means that you will need to include an introduction, a list of
grievances, anticipated objection, and a conclusion stating your intention.
You should use formal language and include the same rhetorical strategies
Jefferson employed. This should also be turned in NO LATER THAN 1:15 WED.
SEPT. 29.
