Rating: 
Summary: Historically accurate it may be, but a boring read.
Review: I read this "Classic" novel for a class, and must admit I was thoroughly disappointed. Hawthorne should have stuck to writing non-fictional books about the Puritan settlers. This book was a pill. There are so many American authors, and novels that could be taught in schools that could far exceed the entertainment level of this out of date story. Two thumbs down.
Rating: 
Summary: from a former scarlet letter hater
Review: after years of sighing about the dull tedium of scarlet letter, i happened upon janey's "book report" on the novel in kathy acker's "blood and guts in high school"...made me ashamed to have lamented hawthorne's "dullness"...if scarlet letter is putting you to sleep, try acker's version (works better than coffee at illuminating the life of this novel)
Rating: 
Summary: This is a wonderful novel!!!
Review: This novel is a wonderful novel, if you have the time, and open-mindedness to see why Hawthorn wrote the way he did. So what! if he spent 20 pages on explaining about a D--- arm chair! The person who complains about something like that, obviously dosen't see the reasoning behind such a writing...and therefore lacks the necessary attitude to learn of such things. With that said... The character of Roger Chillingworth, (I thought), was one of great intrigue. His thought processes, and actions,(Even though they were morbid and evil) are all done with reason and intent. Unlike our dear Hester Prynne, who seems to run on emotion, like an old car runs on sulfer. As for the Rev. Aurthur Dimmesdale I believe him to be a self-centered hypocrite who finaly, does some actual good upon the end of the book. The story itself, is one of good writing and attention to detail. It was overall an excellent novel made of good talent, good characters, good writing, and of wonderful detail.
Rating:
Summary: Strengths and Weaknesses
Review: This story has been synopsized repeatedly on this item page, and I'll not be redundant. Instead, I'll move directly to explaining the four-star rating I gave it.Strengths
1. It is, from a technical standpoint, very well-written.
2. It paints a clear picture of the era.
3. It describes, and questions, the social mores regarding infidelity and adultery.
4. It describes the consequences of adultery, not just for the unfaithful spouse, but for all affected parties. Weaknesses
1. "The Scarlet Letter" is very detailed and descriptive, and can be boring at times, especially in the beginning.
2. Many adults think this is a great book for teens to read. Most of the teens I've discussed this book with do not agree; they find it boring, wordy, and irrelevant.
Rating:
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...
Rating:
Summary: Grow Up
Review: If you can read and readily understand old-english, you *may* be able to enjoy this novel.
I found it painfully long and didn't even care to finish it, which is unheard of for me!
Rating:
Summary: HORRIBLE.
Review: This is probably the most painfully boring novel I've ever had to suffer through. The characters are annoying, the plot is uninteresting and it is overdeveloped.
Basically, Dimmesdale becomes suicidal and physically ill due to the guilt he has for not admitting his sin, as he allowed Hester to take all of the blame. Admit your sins as Hester did, live a happy life. The end. You don't need to suffer through the whole book.
Rating: 
Summary: The Scarlet Letter Review
Review: 200-300 wordd
I really liked this book because of Hester. She was a protagonist who refused to obey by socety's rules. She is a role model for women who wish to be free. Sure, she made a mistake. But, don't we all? Adultery is not right, but we learn from mistakes.
I really liked to read about the time period because it was so different from our own. It is hard to believe that Hawthorne was only a writer for his time period.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Story About Early American Puritans.
Review: Nathanial Hawthorne is a wonderful writer, if gloomy. I have read quite a few of his books because of how much I enjoyed this one. This is his masterpiece, although some of his other books are worth a read as well. This book is chilling because of his mastery of language and characterization. He explores sin, alienation and spiritual regeneration as he tells the tale of a Puritan woman (Hester Prynne) who has an adulterous affair with a minister. We see the ripple effect that this illicit affair has on Hester and her lover, as well as Hester's husband, and most disastrously, her daughter Pearl. We see the effect that being ostracized has on Hester herself. This is visibly pictured by the scarlet A that she is forced to wear, but the effect that this has on her psyche and the way that she finds to cope with this estrangement show how strong a human being can be if pushed to it. This is a great book, and I recommend it highly.
Rating:
Summary: Critique of American Culture?
Review: This book is highly informative in helping one understand what makes American culture tick. There is a moral strand in American culture that is traceable to Puritanism. Even today, it's hard to understand American culture apart from Puritanism and Puritan theology. This book encapsulates the American public life and culture on open society levels.
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