As Olivia is wrapping up her work for the semester this week, we started by addressing Olivia's questions on organizing her two essays on "The Scarlet Letter". Olivia is demonstrating strong insight into the novels we are studying as evidenced by her unique and intelligent approach to the essay questions. After reviewing the vocabulary work on Daisy Miller which Olivia completed, we addressed themes and conflicts within Henry James' novella. Olivia actively participated in class discussion ,and made thoughtful observations about Daisy's unorthodox behavior in a society dominated by Victorian values . She crystallized the novel well in noting that while Daisy is conscious of her behavior ,she is oblivious to its consequences. We further outlined society's double standard as applied to the behavior of men who are free to engage in the very conduct society condemns in Daisy. We last compared and contrasted Daisy Miller to Hester Prynne of "The Scarlet Letter" as both flaunt the social and moral orthodoxy and reap the consequences of their actions. For homework , Olivia will be completing her two essays. We will have a test on Daisy Miller on Wednesday. We will also review Olivia's college application essays this week as Olivia has requested some assistance.