Write a 750-1000 word essay on the following:
The Scarlet Letter is a novel that delves deeply into the relationship between guilt and freedom, secrecy and openness, reputation and humiliation, and deception and transparency. In many ways, these can all fall under the rubric of appearance versus reality.
Select one of the central characters in the novel and write an essay in which you analyze how his or her words, actions, and thoughts in the novel illustrate whether he or she lives according to appearance or reality. Be sure to analyze how this choice affects the character. In what ways do each of us make similar choices each day? Can we learn anything from Hawthorne's novel to help us deal with our own struggles with living according to appearance or reality?
Remember that a good essay begins with an interesting introductory paragraph with a focusing thesis statement, then moves to body paragraphs that support the thesis using specific elements from the story (including commentary, analysis, reflection, discussion, and short quotes), and ends with a summary conclusion. Always avoid long passages in your essay that simply summarize the plot.