For the short essay portion, you should write a 300-400 words fully exploring any one of the prompts presented for that question.  Please edit carefully, maintain formal diction, and include plenty of examples from the texts. Select only one for your response. 1) Explore how at first, the letter A defines Hester’s identity, but how she alters the meaning of the letter, controlling how it is perceived. 2) Briefly contrast Hester and Dimmesdale.

John Calhoun’s speech affirms that it is a good idea to let slaves earn their way to freedom, eventually ending slavery altogether.

Harriet Jacobs has an affair with a white man because she thinks he can protect her by buying her and her children.

He/She wrote the poem “Faith is a fine invention”.

Hester Prynne is skilled with needlework.

Benjamin Franklin tells a story about a native American who goes to trade pelts on Sunday.

Which of the following American writers was haunted by his family’s past to the point that he changed the spelling of his last name?

Franklin’s “Fart Proudly” asserts that people would sniff farts on purpose if they smelled good.

Hester Prynne is guilty of adultery.

In a few carefully edited sentences, tell which reading from this section was your favorite and explain why you liked it best.