1. In the passage, the narrator establishes the political nature of the religion and the influence of Hawthorne’s Puritan, New England background on him as a writer. Explain how the emergence of Puritanism and Hawthorne’s background and experiences contributed to his development as a writer.

2. At the opening of the Custom-House, the narrator informs the reader that the publication of the sketch caused “unexpected excitement in the respectable community immediately around him.” Having read the Custom-House, explain how his account of those who worked there and the work done would have generated criticism, especially from those described in his account.

3. In the first three chapters of The Scarlet Letter, the narrator reveals Hester’s character and his (the narrator’s) admiration of Hester. Using details from the text, write a response that indicates the narrator’s depiction of Hester as a heroic character and his revelation that he sympathizes with Hester.