Have you ever wondered how to write an essay about The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne? How about Frankenstein by Mary Shelley? Passing by Nella Larson? “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka? Maybe The Odyssey by Homer or Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Othello? We can help!

Our writing coach, Becca, is prepared to support high school students enrolled in Honors English, AP Language and Composition, AP Literature, British Literature, American Literature, and more. 

Not only can she offer advice on catchy introductions, argumentative theses, effective organization, and correct conclusions, but she also helps students develop the critical thinking needed to dissect themes, analyze quotes, and explain the reason behind an author’s use of literary devices. 

For The Scarlet Letter, for example, Becca suggests beginning with themes. 

Consider the theme of gender: How does Hester’s situation as a woman differ from Dimmesdale’s? Speaking of Dimmesdale, another central theme in the story is guilt. His character is riddled with it. Why? Ponder: What does his private self-harm show about the hypocrisy of Puritan society?

You might also investigate these themes:

• Personal and public truth: What is Hester’s story? How does this relate to the town’s narrative of her? Hester acknowledges her “mistake” openly in a manner that combines personal and public truth.
• Nature:  In several ways, Pearl embodies the theme of wilderness against civilization. How? What does Hawthorne use the brook scene to achieve? Is it effective?

Further, when it comes to Hawthorne’s novel, Becca stresses the importance of being aware of the core symbols:

• The scarlet “A” itself: This one may seem obvious, but its meaning evolves through the novel to include Hester’s ability to overcome ridicule and other’s opinions about her.
• Pearl: As noted above, she represents wilderness and is also a living embodiment of “sin.”
• The meteor: This symbol relates to revelations and truth.

And once you’ve done some deep thinking, it is time to write – something else she can help with. Unsure of how to start? Here’s Becca’s advice: 

Your introduction should give some background about the novel. You might explain that the novel takes place in the 17th century and focuses on Hester Prynne, a woman forced to wear a scarlet “A” to make everyone in town aware of her sin of adultery. 

Then, you’ll want to introduce any themes or literary devices you might be examining in your thesis. For example: “Hester’s “A” is not only a symbol of sin in the novel but also relates to her resilience and strength of self.” 

Finally, you’ll land on a thesis statement: “Overall, Hawthorne uses her letter as a symbol of growth throughout the novel as he investigates themes of gender, sin, and personal and public truth.” 

Recognizing themes and literary devices is crucial for a successful essay, as are argument and structure. Feeling stuck when it comes to syntax? Can’t understand what diction really looks like in a text? Unsure how to structure your thesis? Stuck on how to make your ideas flow? These are all understandable struggles and ones we’re ready to tackle. 

Let Becca help you improve your understanding and up-level your grades. Reach out today for help with your English papers!