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Summary: Jeff the Scorned
Review: I hated this story. It was long. It was preachy. It was boring. Unless you're interested in catching up on battles with Puritanism, avoid this book.
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Summary: My Impressions of The Scarlet Letter
Review: This book was very different from any other book that I have ever read. I was very impressed with the way Hawthorne put such a deep meaning into his novel. I have never read a book like it. It's definitely different from a book like Harry Potter--there's not any deeper meaning in that book, it's cut 'n dry. It's neat also how much influence Nathaniel's Hawthrone's own life has influenced this book. I did not like the the plot or setting so much of the book at first. You really have to think about it and concentrate on what is being said at the end. It's kind of neat the things that you could say about it, the things you could relate it to. Basically the only thing about it that I didn't like was the the plot wasn't action-packed. I like books that have more action and dialog. I think it was a good experience for me though to read it just to get the feel for reading a book like that--the Old English and the deeper meaning. I would recomend it to people who enjoy the 17th centry and its society, because I think it reflects that very well. As well as reflecting the society of th 1850's--the time when Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote this book. It was a pretty good book.
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Summary: How Can Sex and Sin Be So Boring?
Review: Throughout this entire book, one part of my brain was in a state of wonder, trying to imagine how anyone could make a book about scandal, sin, adultery, public shame and cowardice so dull. To finish the book was a test of will, and was accomplished because I hate to leave things undone.There are many fine, engaging, interesting novels, both of our age and of Hawthorne's. I can't imagine why one would want to slog through this one.
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Summary: Surprisingly modern in tone, if not in language.
Review: One would expect a novel written in the 19th century about the subject of adultery, penitence, conscience, and puritanism to resonate far less with the modern reader than this one does. Granted, the language is somewhat stilted to a modern ear, but not nearly as much so as most of its contemporaries, and while the characters are made to suffer for their "sin", it is clear that Hawthorne feels that the punishment far exceeds what is just. The novel is more a condemnation of the sort of society that the Puritans were, rather than a condemnation of Hester Prynne. And while her paramour is not a very sympathetic character, it isn't because of his part in the "sin", but rather because he's coward and hypocrite enough to allow her to bear the full brunt of the punishment, while keeping his own good name and reputation intact, up until the moment of his impending death. All in all, a surprisingly good read, and a very worthwhile book to discuss; there are many concepts involved which are capable of being seen in more than one light.
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Summary: An amazing work
Review: Anyone who does not take the time to read through Hawthorne's heavy writing is missing out on one of the best novels of the english language. I read this novel when I was only 16, and I found his style enjoyable and brilliant. There is no story better at illuminating the defects of human nature, the potentness of passion, and the irrevocable mark that human interaction leaves on ones soul. It plunges the depths of love and hate, obsession and apathy, loyalty and treason, and most predominately the search for truth in self. Hawthorne was a literary genius. Definetly read this book.
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Summary: Took Me A While....
Review: I thought this book was excellent! The plot really captured my attention, and though i admit at times it was a boring, I usually couldn't put it down. Her mysterious lover was a shocker, and kept me guessing all the way! I really recommend this book!
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Summary: Depends on what you like...
Review: I had to read this book for English class, and I did not enjoy it. My favorite genre is scifi-technthriller, and this clearly is not it. However, although I had to force myself to flip to the next page, when we analyzed it in class the book was amazing. Hawthorne can be considered nothing less than a pure genius in his writing. We could easily spend 30 minutes talking about a single page in our class of 17. The amount of detail and hidden information is astonishing. So, if you like love stories, (which I think this can be considered), this is the book for you. Otherwise, buy a Tom Clany novel.
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Summary: If you read this book you will be amazed
Review: Well I read this book and it amazed me. The first time I read this book I thought it was stupid. page after page it got better. Well this book is about a girl who commits an adultery. The girl's name is Hester. So she gets an A on her dress and she goes to prison. Her husband left her like a coward. and I don't want to ruin the story so I will recomend this book to anyone who wants a good read. When I read this book i thought it was hard comepare to the books LORD OF THE FILES and THE ANIMAL FARM. so just read THE SCARLET LETTER.
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Summary: Purely a Masterpiece.
Review: By reading the title of my reviw, most would probably not believe that I am an 11th grade student who was initially 'forced' to read "The Scarlet Letter" for an assignment. I knew of the book before I read it, and had been interested in it and its plot for some time before, as, for some reason, I'm utterly infatuated by the American Puritan period. I read "The Scarlet Letter" on the day I recieved it, and found it amazing, one of the best books I've read; very true to its title of "classic". They don't write books like this anymore; pity. The "copious style" of Hawthorne is not for everyone, but it certainly was for me; as, being an 'aspiring writer' myself, who loves to explore language, I found the style inspiring with incredibly beautiful discriptives. Some also find the book to be slowly paced, but, then again, what is the pace your teacher is making the class read it at? If they told you to sit down and read it as a normal book, it would pace itself much quicker. The plot is timeless, and a change for those involved with today's plot-driven and bland tales, the language is masterful, the characters thought-out and filled with emotion. I truly enjoyed this book. And, to whoever said the book wasn't 'romantic in any way', they're gravely mistaken, as "The Scarlet Letter" itself was indeed a book of the 'Romantic' period of American lit...
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Summary: The Scarlet Letter: A soap opera
Review: Although this book, is considered a great work of literature, written to describe the harshness of Purtian New England. Plus, this book was heavily laiden with symbolism, and many other literary tools. The scarlet letter is a soap opera, and a bad one at that. Not only is it boring, no true action occurs in this book. Nothing truly interesting happens in this book. This boring work of literature spends an entire chapter describing a prison door. Although the author did a creative job of conveying his point, this is still the worst book I have ever read. I would never recomend this book to anyone who can not sit down and read the script to any second class soap opera with out falling asleep after the first 10 pages. This is a good book to study, however it is not a good book to read for pleasure, under any circumstance!!
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