While symbols are often inanimate objects, we discussed how a character can also embody or symbolize a human condition or an idea. I placed a list of the main characters on the whiteboard, and we discussed what the bigger than life imaginative characters in the novel might represent or symbolize. As Hester confronts her erstwhile husband,Chillingworth, in the chapters under review ,we further discussed the abandoned marital relationship between Hester and Chillingworth and why Hester believes she was more wronged by the marriage than Chillingworth was by her adultery. Olivia did a good job analyzing figurative language and recognizing the theme of illusion vs reality in the scene where Pearl sees her reflection in the flowing brook in the forest. As Olivia was out last week, we addressed a schedule for next week's work. There will be a test on Chapters 1 -17 on Wednesday, and a written assignment elaborating on today's discussion of symbols due in one week,on Thursday. As Olivia is still working on last week's test essay, and last week's vocabulary work ,for homework due Monday : Complete the essay; complete the vocabulary work; and read Chapter 17.