Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Read
Review: I enjoyed reading The Scarlet Letter. I was not forced into by a Literature teacher; I picked it up on my own because I heard it was a great American classic; and, indeed, I have to agree. It is truly timeless. It has been almost five years since I have read this book and I can remember the scenes and words so vividly. Hawthorne's dizzying imagery provides an adventure into the life of a Puritan woman, Hester Prynne, that one does not soon forget. Hester, practically abandoned by her husband is left to take care of herself in a lonely new world. She is flesh and bone with desires and passions like any other human being. Hester commits adultery and is found out by a cruel, judging community. She must wear a Scarlet A on the front of her dress; A for Adultery. Hester refuses to give the name of her lover Dimmesdale so he goes free and untouched by the damning society, but must face the tortures of his own conscience. Hester is humiliated and must suffer the consequences for her actions but she is not a broken woman. She stands, brave. Dimmesdale comes through in the end and admits his role in the dangerous game. Hawthorne takes the readers on a spinning ride to get to this point. Read it and know the exact ending for yourself. I recommend it; highly.
Rating: 
Summary: 'tis what on thou breast Dimmesdale?
Review: Nathaniel Hawthorne's mid-19th century novel reflects the strict Puritan Enviornment two-hundred years prior to the release of the book. What can be a tedious read at times is ultimately a redeeming piece of literature exposing the hypocrisy of the "godly" Puritan Communities. Much of the novel gives us inductive information forcing the reader to either ignore or figure out much of the background of the story for themselves. Regardless, Hester Prynne, the Protagonist, is portrayed as a strong women who has a extra-marital affair with an unknown man of the Boston Community. While raising her eerie bastard child, "Pearl", Hester refuses to compromise or openly break down for her crime. There are numerous plot twists, including a perverted love-triangle, that gives this novel it's romantic characteristics. Although there was probably hundreds of novels written during this time period that are stylistically superior to Hawthorne's masterpiece. This work has remained a mainstay as required reading because of its radical notions that women are equal and sometimes stronger than men emotionally, and deserve respect for the works they perform for society. It's a dark novel with many redeeming qualities, if you can get over the lofty-archaic English this should be an interesting read.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful classic story!
Review: Nathaniel Hawthorne's prose in "The Scarlet Letter" is slightly complex at first but his description of Boston and of the people during the Puritan era is vivid and strong. I disagree with an earlier reviewer that the book was boring. The description of the characters and of the situations they were undergoing was helpful. It made the story much stronger. The last three or four chapters were surprisingly suspenseful. It is a fantastic read. Moreover, "The Scarlet Letter" is a classic example of why social oppression is such a terrible thing. Thanks to the oppression of those times a child grew up without her father and a man died without ever having a real relationship with his daughter. One can't help but to think about the type of oppression (ie. sexual) that goes on today. This novel is a stark reminder of why oppression of any kind is really not worth it. When oppression exists in society, good people are always bound to suffer and all because of rigid, inhumane, socially conservative beliefs. Within its own context (Puritan era), the novel delves into this topic in a very powerful way. I highly recommend it because its subject matter still applies today.
Rating:
Summary: The truth shall set you free.
Review: This book is the first of two grand contributions that Nathaniel Hawthorne made to American literature (the second being the inspiration that he provided to Herman Melville during the composition of Moby Dick.) Like all great books, this novel deals with issues which are timeless and central to the human condition. Can (or should) the state legislate morality? If so, to what degree? Which is the greater sin, a momentary weakness or a sustained and conscious deception? Which is the greater punishment, public humiliation or private guilt? And, perhaps most importantly, what is the proper response to each? The novel provides clear and compelling examples of tragic consequences which can be avoided by the simple, but sometimes difficult, act of telling the truth. The permeating sadness of the story results from the failure of each character to do so. Despite comments here to the contrary, this book is not difficult to read or understand, and it is not dull if you can grasp its themes. The ideas expressed are intricate and symbolism is pervasive throughout the story. However, any reader who really wants to understand and enjoy the book should not have great difficulty in doing so. To those readers who feel challenged to appreciate this book, Hawthorne himself offers you a thought (on page 18 of my edition) which you should seriously consider -- "It contributes greatly towards a man's moral and intellectual health to be brought into habits of companionship with individuals unlike himself, who care little for his pursuits, and whose sphere and abilities he must go out of himself to appreciate."
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully Written and Expressed
Review: Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic reveals a woman with a burning letter A prominently branded on her heart. Hester Prynne's crime of adultery gains her isolation from the rest of her New England town. Her shunned existence is only relieved by her young daughter Pearl whose birth gained Hester her punishment. Reverand Arthur Dimmesdale's life is destroyed by his connection to Hester and his guilt. Roger Chillingsworth, Hester's husband, seeks revenge for his shame. All takes place in this novel that reveals the consequences of human nature and isolation. I enjoyed this book but found the vocabulary and writing tiresome. Though I know that the writing style was appropriate for the time, some of the meaning evaded me. I did enjoy the wonderful metaphores and descriptions, along with the overall message to the book. The beautiful detail made "The Scarlet Letter" a enjoyable novel to read. I reccomend this book and hope that the reader will understand fully the meaning of this work of art.
Rating:
Summary: Words Cannot Describe the Vividness of this Novel...
Review: A blazing scarlet letter "A" illuminates the shame and wickedness it symbolizes on the persistent Hester Prynne's chest as she diligently stands before the curious village and its leaders. In her arms lies the direct consequence of her sin and only treasure is the crying baby Pearl. Amongst the restless villagers hides her partner in crime, secretly concealed under the blanket of his most respected profession. Despite the mocking glares and questionings of the crowd, Hester refuses to reveal his identity. But with all the pressure and Hester's former husband evilly breathing behind his back, will the guilt of his shameful crime be more than he can manage to live through? Penetrate into Nathaniel Hawthorne's world of The Scarlet Letter...
Anyone who has the ability to read should look into this famous novel of sin, evil, knowledge, and the human condition. It clearly dominates in the literary world for its indescribable symbolism, depth, and diversity of characters. The Scarlet Letter has certainly earned its well-deserved place into the world of classic novels. ~ Jasna
Rating:
Summary: A Classic Everyone Should Read
Review: I first read this book in college, and I have purchased it again to read. I think the book speaks volumes about society that was slow to be tolerant of differences and finds it easy to pile on when someone is ostracized. I found many parallels to today's society, where many people still exist who like to judge first and ask questions later. You will look at today's world with new eyes after reading this story crafted many years ago by one of America's best ever writers. Jeffrey McAndrew author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"
Rating: 
Summary: The Scarlet Letter
Review: Said to be one of the first psychological novels ever written, The Scarlet Letter still captivates its readers. Nathaniel Hawthorne knew how to characterize his characters beautifully. Reading his work is like experiencing that character's life.
The story is set in colonial New England. The plot of the story revolves around the lives of three individuals who lived in Puritan Boston. Hester Prynne, a brave, fierce woman bearing her sin in silence, Reverand Arthur Dimmesdale, a very respected member of the community who suffers with his guilt, and Roger Chillingsworth, Hester's husband who wants revenge, are the three characters of Hawthorne's novel. As the story unfolds, so do the intricacies of the characters and in the end the truth is proven to be the best solution.
Reading this classic novel was harder to accomplish than I expected. The story starts off slow and, from my point of view, the wording of the book is hard to follow and understand. What I liked best about the novel was the underlying meanings you can take from reading the book. A person's passion for revenge and the clash between a person's private life and public life are hidden meanings shown throughout this story. The portrayal of human nature was also done wonderfully. Sin, guilt, pentinence, and lust are some of the main feelings in this book. The Scarlet Letter is a classic that continues to be read by all ages of readers and the story can teach people valuable lessons about life if read carefully.
Rating: 
Summary: Slow, Overwritten Drama
Review: It started with a great plot...until he actually wrote it. It was overwritten (it takes pages before something happens) and the protagonists were hard to like. Boring, sappy novel written as if he trying to imitate Victorian prose. There are a couple twists, but the main characters are such morons, it underscores the little action that does happen.
Rating:
Summary: Hester was a better man than Arthur any day.
Review: Since the 1970s I have probably read this book at least three times. It is a powerful book about sin and redemption, guilt and pardon, and revenged and forgiveness. I will let other reviewers deal with the great literary themes presented within this novel, but for this review, I want to look at Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale, Hester's lover and the father of Pearl. As an evangelical pastor, the character of Dimmesdale has always intrigued me. I can understand how godly men fail. I can understand how godly men can fall into sexual sin. Just because a man is called of God does not mean that he cannot fall for temptation, especially sexual temptation, became sexual temptation is common to all men. A quick survey of biblical heros makes this point clear. For instance, David, who is described as a man after God's own heart, certainly did not behave himself sexually. Aside from his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, David also, in addition to taking many wives, took to himself concubines for his sexual pleasure. One can argue all he wants about the cultural acceptability of such practices, but the fact remains that most Hebrew contemporaries of David did not take concubines, and although the Law of Moses does not directly address the concubine issue, the plan of God clearly states that God desires one man married to one woman for one life time. Back to Rev. Dimmesdale. Ok, the guy made a mistake. Two lonely young people fell in love and in the passion of the movement conceived a child. Sin happens. Even the godliest man can fail. The problem is not that he failed, but that Dimmesdale proved to be such a wimp about his failing. He allowed Hester (who was a better man than Dimmesdale) to bear the shame alone while neglecting his responsibility to his daughter Peal. Lets face it; this guy was a wimp, not a man. Why did he not accept responsibility for his actions and take care of Hester and Pearl? Instead, he sets on a course of self-destructive behavior that, in the end, leads to his death and abandonment of any responsibility to those whom he loved. Dimmesdale, get a life. Be a man. Quit whining and accept responsibility for your behavior- that is what a truly godly man does. Hester was a better man than Arthur any day.
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