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Summary: A frustrating story, only for literary fanatics.
Review: This book has a nice plot, but it just isn't exciting. It's not riveting enough, maybe because it was written in the 19th century. Things that are exciting more than a 100 years ago just don't seem all that interesting to me. It's hard to read because most of the book is composed of metaphors and other examples of figurative language. If you had to read it, I'd say give yourself at least three weeks.
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Summary: Insightful
Review: This is a book on the thoughs and motivations of a person who is outcast. The specifics are nonsense to just about any other time than those of the Puritans, but the humanity is still the same. It's a story so easy to relate to because we have our own scarlet letter or letters. Our own scarlet letter might be our appearance or our lack of education. Read the book and do not concern yourself of those who say the book is difficult. It is not. Hawthorn uses a few words that you might find as stumpers on your SAT tests, but hey why not just learn those and titillate your friends with them sometime. Meanwhile enjoy.
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Summary: Another High School English Class Classic
Review: This is one of those stories that I did not really enjoy reading the first time, as it was layed upon me by a High School English teacher when I would have prefered to be reading something else. Upon reflecting upon and rereading the novel, it becomes obvious that a great deal of this novel's brilliance was lost upon me so many years ago.
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Summary: At closer look, a gem
Review: I definitely agree that 'The Scarlet Letter' wasn't the easiest read of my life. However, now that I've been able to thoroughly digest Hawthorne's language and message, the beauty of this great American work shines through clearly in my mind. I'll admit that I did not come to the book by myself - it was assigned to me over the summer - but that hasn't stopped me from appreciating Hawthorne's command of the English language, his sensitivity and astute view of humanity, and his extensive use of allusions and images to carry his story beyond Puritan times and into all time. Hawthorne's writing style, while dense and very literary, isn't impenetrable; and once you break through the shell of our own modern prejudices, it's easy to see what a wonderful and important novel this is.
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Summary: Pearl only brilliant part of book
Review: Typically, I don't read fiction, non-fiction is my favorite, but you can't be well read without reading The Scarlet Letter. Right? I'm glad I read it, but it isn't a masterpiece. As far as characters go, Pearl (Hester's daughter) brings the most to the reader. She actually came across as the most mature, despite being a child. Aside from that, read it for an original account of the Puritan world.
Rating:
Summary: The Scarlet Letter
Review: As I am an adult, this book was not assigned to me for reading. I've wanted to read this novel for some time now, and am glad I did. The Scarlet Letter is one of the best novels I've ever read. This reader found it to be an interesting and suspenseful story.Should you read this novel, I would suggest skipping over the introduction regarding the customs house. It's a boring chapter, and really has nothing to do with the rest of the story.
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Summary: For anyone who's ever had a secret...
Review: This book really expresses any feelings of shame that I may have ever had, but I still cheer on its hero and heroine.
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Summary: Thank God for Cliffs Notes
Review: Having to read this book over the summer was not the right atmosphere for a high school student. I appreciated the book's deep symbolism and rich emotion. These aspects had a great impact on me, especially the significance of Pearl who connects the two adulterers. Unfortunately, reading this book was a summer assignment and I would rather do other summer activities. The diction in Nathaniel Hawthorne's works are noted among high school students as having a syntatic permutation. We usually do not understand the point of his works until we have read it over a few times or until the teacher has given us the explanation. It is a great book, especially in the right atmosphere, but high school students should also look at the Cliffs Notes if they have a difficulty in understaning it.
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Summary: A Different Angle
Review: The Scarlet Letter is one of the most fascinating and interesting books I have ever read. It questions people's integrity and standards, along with forcing people not to underestimate one's capability of being infalliable. Hester Prynne is a perfect example of how one can have a ruined reputation and still choose to do good.
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Summary: The Roots of Our Double Standard
Review: Few novels capture the essence of a different time like The Scarlet Letter. Yet reading this novel about strict moral rules leaves one with a difference sense about today's society. Very often a woman who has a child out of wedlock experiences severe judgments from those around her. Yet the man involved will often stay hidden and not be subject to the same sanctions. Perhaps less changes than we think. Reading this book also provides an uplifting view of the potential for goodness in how well Hester Prynne bears her shame and raises her child. You will also come away with a renewed appreciation for the strength that women often bring to tough situations. The courage to face a disapproving society with little in the way of emotional support is probably greater than the courage needed to face physical danger. You cannot help but appreciate Hester as a symbol of true courage. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the Puritan beginnings of our modern American culture.
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