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The Scarlet Letter and Other Writings

nathaniel hawthorne leland s. person

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The text of The Scarlet Letter is based on the 1850 third edition, the first set in stereotype plates and the basis of subsequent printings in Hawthorne s lifetime. An invaluable selection of contextual material includes five Hawthorne stories that are closely related to The Scarlet Letter, along with relevant letters and notebook entries. A substantial excerpt from Hawthorne s campaign biography of Franklin Pierce offers a revealing glimpse at Hawthorne s political thought, especially regarding slavery and abolition. "Criticism" provides a comprehensive overview of early and modern commentary on The Scarlet Letter and the stories in this edition, including nineteenth-century reviews of the novel and critical essays by Robert S. Levine, Nina Baym, Larry J. Reynolds, and Jean Fagan Yellin. A Chronology and Selected Bibliography are also included."

768 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1949

This edition

Format
768 pages, Paperback
Published
December 17, 2004 by W. W. Norton \u0026 Company
ISBN
ASIN
Language
English

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About the author

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nathaniel hawthorne

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Nathaniel Hawthorne was a 19th century American novelist and short story writer. He is seen as a key figure in the development of American literature for his tales of the nation's colonial history.

Shortly after graduating from Bowdoin College, Hathorne changed his name to Hawthorne. Hawthorne anonymously published his first work, a novel titled Fanshawe, in 1828. In 1837, he published Twice-Told Tales and became engaged to painter and illustrator Sophia Peabody the next year. He worked at a Custom House and joined a Transcendentalist Utopian community, before marrying Peabody in 1842. The couple moved to The Old Manse in Concord, Massachusetts, later moving to Salem, the Berkshires, then to The Wayside in Concord. The Scarlet Letter was published in 1850, followed by a succession of other novels. A political appointment took Hawthorne and family to Europe before returning to The Wayside in 1860. Hawthorne died on May 19, 1864, leaving behind his wife and their three children.

Much of Hawthorne's writing centers around New England and many feature moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. His work is considered part of the Romantic movement and includes novels, short stories, and a biography of his friend, the United States President Franklin Pierce.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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titogonzalez
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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In the early American settlements, there is a richly woven story of a woman who succumbs to the temptation of adultery. Her husband is still in Europe, and this act of hers earns her the punishment of her society.

The book mainly consists of the mental pains, debates, and ramblings of both her and her co-sinner. We can vividly imagine the turmoil in their hearts as they struggle with the consequences of their actions.

The woman must face the judgment and condemnation of those around her, which surely weighs heavily on her conscience. Meanwhile, her co-sinner also experiences similar torments, perhaps even more so as he may bear a greater share of the blame in the eyes of society.

As we delve deeper into their story, we are drawn into a world of moral dilemmas, emotional turmoil, and the harsh realities of a society that demands strict adherence to its values. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of our actions and the importance of remaining true to our principles, even in the face of temptation.
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Japfreak
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I was truly and pleasantly surprised by this one.

I have always been a sucker for those "found literature" stories that engage in speculation about some previous time and place.

It is quite evident that this work initially began as a short story and then gradually blossomed out into something entirely its own.

The experience of reading this and "The Birthmark" together is a pairing that I would highly recommend.

The combination of the two offers a unique and captivating exploration of different themes and literary styles.

It allows the reader to delve deeper into the minds and imaginations of the authors, and to discover new perspectives and interpretations.

Whether you are a fan of speculative fiction or simply enjoy a good story, this pairing is sure to satisfy.

So, give it a try and see for yourself the magic that unfolds when these two works are read together.

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bossunhimeswitch
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I believe that this book has the potential to achieve greater heights.

However, it has been overexposed, much like a pop radio hit that has been playing continuously for decades.

This overplaying has led to a certain degree of fatigue and perhaps a loss of its original impact.

Moreover, it is being misused as if it were the Bible to argue moral points.

The book may or may not agree with these points, or in some cases, it may never have even touched upon them.

This inappropriate use further detracts from the book's true value.

If only it could be presented in a more fresh and accurate way, without the excessive repetition and misapplication, it might truly shine and have a more profound influence.

People need to approach this book with a more open and discerning mind, allowing it to speak for itself and not imposing their own agendas upon it.

Only then can we hope to fully appreciate the essence and significance of this potentially great work.
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BlakeRadcliff
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The Scarlet Letter is a classic for a reason. It is a work of literature that can be read and reread, with the reader always able to gain a new and valuable insight each time. It is truly literature with a capital "L."

Although I read it for a class, I am extremely glad that I was scheduled to do so. There are simply too many endeavors that are truly enriching that we end up passing up due to time constraints.

Within the novel's pages lie the seeds of various literary types and tropes that are still being sown in current literary works. As Solomon said, there exists nothing new under the sun. This novel serves not only as a map of the past but also as a template for future authorship.

Anyone who aspires to write well can undoubtedly learn a great deal from its pages. It offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, guiding aspiring writers on their journey to create meaningful and impactful works of literature.
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Sakuja
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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If you can manage to overcome the novel's old-fashioned language and extremely long sentences, perhaps you will have a greater appreciation for The Scarlet Letter than I did.

To be sure, there are certain redeeming qualities. For instance, the unique characterization of the four main protagonists is quite remarkable. Each character is distinct and complex, with their own motives and personalities.

Moreover, the rich symbolism throughout the story adds depth and layers of meaning. It makes the reader think and analyze the various hidden messages.

Hawthorne's vivid portrayal of the puritanical culture in colonial America is also值得称赞. It gives us a glimpse into the strict and压抑的 society of that time.

Overall, however, I found the novel to be incredibly tedious. The plot seemed to drag on and on, and at times, I felt myself losing interest.

Nevertheless, for those who are willing to put in the effort and persevere through the challenges, The Scarlet Letter may offer a rewarding reading experience.
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Kyxor
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have tried reading Nathaniel Hawthorne's works,

but unfortunately, I am just not a fan of his writing style.

The only part that really caught my attention was when Pearl didn't recognize her mother, Hester, when she wasn't wearing the letter "A" on her chest.

It was a moment of confusion and surprise that added a bit of excitement to the story.

However, aside from that, the book seemed to drag on and on.

The plot was slow-paced, and I found myself getting bored and losing interest easily.

Maybe it's just a matter of personal taste, but I don't think I'll be picking up another Hawthorne novel anytime soon.

Overall, while there were a few interesting moments in the book, it just didn't do it for me.

I prefer stories that are more engaging and fast-paced, with characters that I can really connect with.

But who knows, maybe others will have a different experience and find great value in Hawthorne's works.
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Leaf78
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The Scarlet Letter is a captivating tale that revolves around a woman who is accused of adultery. In the beginning, she is led out of jail, and the entire town is aware of the Scarlet Letter A emblazoned on her bosom, which stands out prominently in the town.

She attempts to use her child, Pearl, to cover the Scarlet Letter from the prying eyes of the townspeople as she stands on top of the scaffold. The story also features other characters such as Chillingworth and Dimmesdale. Chillingworth is the man who enters the prison while Hester is still incarcerated. He offers assistance to Hester by providing medicine for her child. Dimmesdale, on the other hand, is the minister of the town, and the people look up to him as a holy man who will lead them to Heaven with God.

As the story progresses, it is revealed that Chillingworth is actually the husband of Hester and the father of Pearl. This book appealed to me because it vividly depicts the 18th century in Massachusetts and showcases the significance of religion to the people. Religion was their guiding light, and they aspired to be with God. However, there are parts in the story where the minister whips himself and engages in evil deeds as he has also sinned and bears the letter A on his chest. Overall, this book is easy to follow, filled with numerous main quotes and important facts that bring the story's scenes and the characters' actions to life.

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jade-v27
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I'll be teaching this for the first time in years.

It's one of those books that, I suspect, people groan about, often without having read it.

Don't be fooled. This is a white-hot psychological novel on par with Dostoevsky's best.

It's okay to skip the introduction, "The Customs House," a dense satirical sketch that details how the author was freed from a deadening job through political beheading and was able to devote himself to writing.

The novel itself presents a love triangle in Puritan America and a strong, original heroine.

She is a complex character who defies the norms of her society and struggles with her own desires and moral dilemmas.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of a strict and judgmental Puritan community, adding an extra layer of tension and conflict.

As the reader delves deeper into the novel, they will be drawn into the psychological turmoil of the characters and the moral questions that are raised.

It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that will leave a lasting impression.
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