Does The Scarlet Letter uphold Puritan beliefs, like the idea that humankind is inherently fallen and sinful, that innocence is non-existent, that Hester and Dimmesdale are sinners destroyed by their sin?

Assignment Prompt: for AP Lang class
Please use the novel the Scarlet Letter for sources. Please write an argumentative essay on the idea of puritanism or transcendentalism in the novel based on a pair of chapters after chapter 7 or just one chapter. Below, which you will also see, please include an intro, 3-4 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Write an essay arguing what you think the novel’s position is on one of the below topics. Develop your argument with evidence from ONE chapter of the novel, from Chapter 7 onward (or possibly a pair of chapters), in which you see the novel advancing a position. Consider at some point in your essay whether the novel also hints at an opposing view; this could be in a separate body paragraph or in a well-developed concluding paragraph.

Puritanism or Transcendentalism: Does The Scarlet Letter uphold Puritan beliefs, like the idea that humankind is inherently fallen and sinful, that innocence is non-existent, that Hester and Dimmesdale are sinners destroyed by their sin? Or does it argue for progressive beliefs in the inherent goodness of people before society corrupts them? In other words, can people perfect themselves?

Essential Writing Skills:
Write a rich introductory paragraph that contextualizes your topic with sufficient but narrow plot synopsis. Include basic facts about the text in your introduction. Define key terms from your chosen prompt in your introductory paragraph.
Write a clear thesis that is both plausible and arguable. The best thesis statements will also be complex, asserting an idea with multiple parts.
Contextualize all evidence, especially quotes. Introduce your quotations with sufficient context and attribution. After quoting, analyze your evidence closely: denotation and connotation of language, imagery, tone, description, etc. Choose evidence worthy of analysis, not just evidence that restates what you are trying to argue.
Organize coherently, using paragraphs and transitions to present different dimensions of your response to the prompt as well as linkages between them.
Craft a satisfying, reflective conclusion.
Advice:
Keep your response to the prompt (your thesis) direct and clear. A simple thesis at the start can develop into something more complex as your argument develops.
Make sure to define key, abstract terms before moving into your examples from the text. Definitions can include quotes from supporting materials, or they can take the form of an appositive phrase, like: “Free will, the idea that we forge our own path and are responsible for our choices, …”
Consider evidence both in support of your argument and also evidence that refutes it.

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