The Scarlet Letter

By Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 historical fiction masterpiece The Scarlet Letter is considered one of the greatest American novels. It is important to note that in the America of the 1850s, the book’s genesis action, adultery was not considered appropriate for polite society.  Due to quality of novel and Hawthorne’s respect amon

• Language: English
• Publisher: Well Read Edition
• Release date: Jan 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9781944556105

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was an American writer whose work was aligned with the Romantic movement. Much of his output, primarily set in New England, was based on his anti-puritan views. He is a highly regarded writer of short stories, yet his best-known works are his novels, including The Scarlet Letter (1850), The House of Seven Gables (1851), and The Marble Faun (1860). Much of his work features complex and strong female characters and offers deep psychological insights into human morality and social constraints.

Book preview

Reviews for The Scarlet Letter

[stevesbookstuff · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

“Hawthorne is the most consummate literary artist in American literature, and The Scarlet Letter is the greatest book ever written in the Western Hemisphere. It is not relatively, but absolutely great; it holds its place among the fifteen best nevels of the world”- William Lyon Phelps, professor of English Literature at Yale and Methodist preacher, from the 1926 introduction to The Scarlet Letter.I can’t bring myself to offer praise as effusive as William Lyon Phelps does in the above quote. I find the book's overt moral judgement and tendency to “tell rather than show” to be detractions from its reputation for greatness. And, I suspect that even as the learned professor wrote his 1926 introduction, The Scarlet Letter was already firmly established as the bane of Literature classes. Its dense sentences and 17th century Puritan setting can work to make it remote and unwelcoming to readers. Yet it continues to be an established American classic, ranking high on many modern lists of great American novels, just as it is still taught in high schools and colleges even now.The story is a familiar one. In the Puritan settlement of Boston in the 1640s Hester Prynne is publicly shamed for her sin - conceiving and bearing a child outside of marriage. Hester refuses to identify the child’s father. For her sin and her obstinance she is publicly shamed and forced to forevermore wear a prominent mark to signify her shame - the scarlet letter A. In attendance at her shaming as the full story starts are the other three main characters. In her arms is her “sin born” daughter Pearl. Helping to preside over her sentence is the Puritan preacher Dimmesdale - Pearl’s father whose reputation Hester is shielding - who makes his own choice not to reveal himself. Lastly, there is a new arrival to town, recently escaped from bondage to the Indians, who is later revealed to be Hester’s husband Roger Chillingworth.As the book progresses, we see the impact of the repressive Puritan culture on Dimmesdale, Hester and Pearl, and the scheming designs of Chillingworth. Dimmesdale is riven with guilt and anguish at his sin. The Puritans were Calvinists and believed that only the “Select” will get to Heaven. Those who sin here on earth give evidence that they are not among the Select. Dimmesdale's sins, he is sure, have made him unworthy of his role as preacher, and marked him as bound for hell. Chillingworth, who no one knows is Hester’s husband, exacts his revenge by inveigling his way into Dimmesdale’s life, preying on his guilt. Pearl looks fated to grow up unhappily among a colony of people who will think the worst of her no matter what she may do, while Hester will surely die of shame.But instead, Dimmesdale and Chillingsworth wither away and pay the ultimate price for their sins. Pearl escapes the clutches of the colony with her mother and returns to Europe where she will be well wed. Hester, after seeing to Pearl’s future, returns to Boston to voluntarily take back up the wearing of the scarlet letter. Only now she wears it without the shame its sentence was meant to give. Hawthorne is considered a Romantic, and an anti-Puritan. His own family were early settlers in Salem and some of his anti-Puritanism was no doubt personal and familial. It’s no coincidence then, that the object of Puritan shaming should gain the strength to stand up for herself and her daughter. But the other sinners who were not ill-treated by the Puritans do not escape the consequences of their sins - Dimmesdale for his lack of purity and Chillingsworth for his acts of revenge. Hawthorne was also given to writing stories with strong moral metaphors, and that is certainly true with The Scarlet Letter. The metaphors basically hit you over the head in this novel.It has long been popular. On its publication in 1850 The Scarlet Letter became an instant hit. It was one of the first mass produced books in the US, and its initial print run of 2500 copies sold out in ten days. It has scarcely had a day out of print since.

[karin7-11 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After a very slow beginning, I really enjoyed this novel. There is a lot to it beyond the surface, but I can see why so many teens don't care for it.

[jbarringer-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It is always a bit disturbing reading books like this one that remind one of just how easy it could be for our modern, somewhat enlightened society to devolve into the brutish, closed-minded world our ancestors knew.

[melsteam · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Passionate in pain- passionate in love; this is a story of people's reactions to mistakes not only regarding themselves but from the scornful, isolating behaviors of others.

[soireb · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Read it as a class requirement, I like the imagery, but that is about it, not really crazy about the story, sorry. I feel like this being one of the great classics I should be doing backflips for it, but the truth is that the story just wasn't for me.

[la2bkk · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this short work more for its insights into the Puritan community (albeit overplayed) and lessons about humanity than for the quality of its writing. While the basic story is interesting, in my opinion Hawthorne's character development is remarkably weak. At times I felt as if I were reading a children's novel. That said, like it not, this is considered a classic hence is worth the read.

[orix_bluewave · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a story in the society of puritan.A woman is punished because of the crime of adultery.But she won't say who has she sexed.I think this book ask us what the row and forgive of the god should be.

[es135_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In this classic tale of adultery, Hawthorne presents sympathetic characters and a story that rings true today. The language, as in most classic novels, can sometimes be hard to understand, but the story should resonate with modern audiences nonetheless.

[jewel.barnett · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this book in high school. I should probably read more of N.H.'s books. This is a captivating read and rings so true even today.
Great book!

[darzzled · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Despite its age, the Scarlet Letter is an excellent exploration of morality, religion and hypocrisy in a setting that's obsessed with morals. If you're not the kind of person who likes the sometimes over-written style of 19th century novels, you'll probably lose Hawthorne's message in the language but it's well worth the read and shows surprisingly modern thinking for such an old book.

[rosenstern · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While I enjoyed reading Hawthorne's commentary on the corrupt and illogical behavior of Puritan Americans, I thoroughly disliked his syntax. It was a laborious task to read a page. Once again, I agree with all his themes. I just wish he had written it better.

[herschelian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

'The Scarlet Letter' became a classic from the day it was published in 1850. This is a story of the sin of adultery and its consequences in the lives of the four main characters and the community in which they live. Set in Puritan New England during the c17th, it is a compelling tale of human frailty and sorrow and an indictment of harsh religious intransigence. Hawthorne's prose is so beautiful that this book is truly a work of art.

[missclark_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I can't say I liked it, but it was an interesting study on sin and guilt and how they work on the psyche. Props where they are due and Nathaniel Hawthorne gets one for that.

[stipe168 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

yawwwn, shutup hester. not hester.. shutup nathaniel.

[cranmergirl · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sad to say, I did not particularly enjoy this well-known classic. The story and symbolism were interesting but actually trudging through the book was oh so tedious! One thing I did like was the old English spoken by the characters. All in all, I would have preferred a much condensed version of this book.

[babs605 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I know it's a "classic", but I thought it was only average.

[lit13_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An extremely well-written book about the tensions that rock a small puritan town. Though it may not be to everyone's taste, it is a definite must-read for any fan of the classics.

[reneh-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Although the book is dated of course, I found it quite impressive. It certainly is worth reading, to get to know a world of which one hardly can believe it ever existed.

[rameau_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow. Where has this been my whole life? I still have a lot more to read, but this may be the greatest American novel. Rich in language, but tight in construction. My sister said this was what an American Dostoyevsky would have been like, and I agree with her. This is one of the most intense novels about sin, guilt, and redemption, that is, about things that really matter.

[kellyholmes-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of the best books I "had" to read in high school. I think it had something to do with teaching me how wrong it is to judge others.

[alina100_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a required reading in high school. The scarlet Letter is a book that is considered to be one of the most famous books of literature. This is not a piece of literature that is easy to read, and I understand why ninth graders have a hard time understanding it. It is the language that makes it so unique, yet still actual.

[rattycore · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Super boring, super puritan, nothing happens, I don't care about puritan sex laws, will never read again.

[natalie_walker-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the story but the writing was a chalenge at times. I do not mean that I could not comprehend it but the sentences were too long. This made the book drag on.

[paradox98_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Much better for pleasure than it was for AP English 11.An excellent look into the psychology of guilt and shame, as well as the nature of redemption and justice.Hester was the embodiment of a woman's strength, which is always pleasant to see in a classic. Pearl was by far my favorite, possessing the comedic relief that is absent from most other classics. She also provides insight that is truly thought provoking.Not a bad book, considering it was for class.

[6boysandme · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Summary: The harsh puritan world of the 17th century introduces us to Hester Prynne a woman who commits adultery and must wear the scarlet letter A to set her apart while her cowardly lover and her vengeful husband are the ones who truly are marked.

[evansjoy · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The dense language and the inital slow pace eventually pay off--it's worth it. I'm glad I finally read it, but I'll tell you what: I'll think twice before teaching it again!

[amandacb_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

At first, in high school, I resisted enjoying the book, mainly because I considered it dry and tedious. However, when I re-read it in college, it's actually quite fascinating since so many different literary techniques may be applied to it. It's has many facets and layers to uncover. Skip the intro "custom house" part, though.

[tboonstra_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I just re-read this at age 64. The previous time was for American Lit class in high school. This was a totally different experience and a good one. I know I didn't appreciate the high school experience and I doubt that I entered into the characters much then. I struggled then with having to account for my reading. I should have had the dictionary by my side now too, but needed to keep reading and did quite well with context clues, I think.

[lhaines56 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is from a compendium I have of Hawthorne's works, so I don't know the date. I believe I already read this in school (HS) but I don't remember it being so sluggish. Holy cow!!! Took a lot to get thru this and I slogged away. It is written on a higher reading level than most current books are. Ok but not fantastic. Kinda depressing....

[thursbest · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

One of the best classic books I've read.This book seriously got me thinking about the terms of sexism and feminism. The story was very easy to follow, and just overall a great read.