When I think back to reading this in HS, I wonder how I ever fell in love with literature at all.

It's a strange thought that crosses my mind. Literature is supposed to be a source of inspiration, a window into different worlds and emotions. But this particular idea makes me question its true nature.

The bottom line is that the most pious people tend to be the most depraved. They put on a show of righteousness, but deep down, their hearts are filled with darkness. On the other hand, the ones labeled sinners are often the ones with kindness and goodness in their hearts. They may have made mistakes, but that doesn't mean they are without redeeming qualities.

This contrast makes me realize that appearances can be deceiving. We can't judge a book by its cover, or a person by their reputation. It's important to look beyond the surface and see the true essence of someone or something. Maybe that's the real lesson to be learned from literature.

Yes, it's a challenge indeed. However, Hawthorne has an extraordinary control over the English language that few possess. This is especially evident when he writes about Colonial New England.

His works transport the readers back in time, vividly描绘ing the culture, society, and the struggles of that era.

Again, I have a deep affection for this edition due to its authoritative supplementary materials. The "A" is explained in great depth from a historical perspective. It not only provides a comprehensive understanding of its significance but also offers some random yet fascinating facts. For instance, it tells us what happened to the revealed polygamists during the Colonial time period.

These additional details enhance the overall reading experience and make this edition a valuable resource for anyone interested in Hawthorne's works and Colonial New England history.

Writing about this book got me into college.

Or at least, it was the book I chose to write about for my excruciatingly banal application essay.

I still vividly remember the process of selecting that particular book and trying to find unique angles to explore in my essay.

It was a challenging task, but somehow, I managed to make it work.

Now, as I look back, I wonder what it would be like to read that book outside of the context of a high school English class.

Would I perceive it differently?

Would I notice details that I missed before?

Or would it simply be another book on my shelf, gathering dust?

These are the questions that萦绕 in my mind as I think about that fateful book that played such an important role in my college application.

I guess only time will tell.

Yes, Mr. Schultz made us read this book.

At that time, I might not have fully understood its charm. However, when I read it again in college, my perception changed completely.

I found that it is truly a great book. Hawthorne's writing is remarkable. His descriptions are so vivid and detailed that they can take your breath away.

Among all the scenes, the one with the little girl in the woods is my absolute favorite. It creates a magical and enchanting atmosphere.

The way Hawthorne portrays the little girl and the surrounding environment makes it seem as if you can step right into the story and experience it for yourself.

This book has left a deep impression on me and has become one of my all-time favorites.

I had re-read this (first time was 11th grade) for a college class maybe about a year ago, or almost a year ago.

At that time, I really couldn't get into it. Even though it was relatively short, it was rather a drag to get through.

However, it does receive a higher rating from me than Wuthering Heights ever will. One of the difficulties I had was that the characters all seemed to sound the same.

It was hard for me to distinguish between them and truly engage with their individual stories.

Perhaps if I had read it with a different mindset or at a different time in my life, I might have had a different experience.

But as it stands, while it wasn't an overly enjoyable read for me, it still managed to earn a slightly higher place in my estimation than Wuthering Heights.

This just goes to show how subjective our opinions of literature can be and how different works can have varying impacts on us depending on our personal circumstances and perspectives.

Hester Prynne's story is really hard to read at times. The way they called her a whore just because she was a girlboss is truly unjust. It's a fact that I hate. However, behind this difficult narrative lies a nice lesson. Hester's strength and independence in the face of such harsh judgment show us the importance of standing up for ourselves, no matter what others may say. She refuses to be defined by the labels that society tries to put on her. Instead, she carves out her own path and finds a way to make a life for herself and her daughter. This story reminds us that we should not be afraid to be who we are and to pursue our dreams, even if it means going against the norms and expectations of others. In the end, Hester's story is one of perseverance and redemption, and it has much to teach us about the human spirit.

I can clearly understand why some other individuals might not have an affinity for The Scarlet Letter. However, for me, it will always hold a special place in my heart. At first glance, it might seem as if the story is forcefully pounding its "points" into your head. But once you begin to delve into it and puzzle through its intricacies, it becomes a real head scratcher. This is vividly demonstrated by the remarkable supplementary materials in the Norton edition. Initially, I had only intended to read a couple of the critical pieces. But as I got started, I ended up at least skimming through the entire book. There is just an abundance of content there, with so many fine distinctions that one has to make. It makes me wonder to what extent the academic perspectives have evolved since the publication of this 2005 edition.

A classic and highly impactful American Literature novel has recently caught my attention. The use of symbolism within its pages is truly remarkable. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the process of delving into and discussing the various symbolic elements. Moreover, writing about them was an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience.

However, there were moments when the abundance of symbolism became a bit overwhelming. It reached a point where it got rather confusing, and I struggled to fully grasp the intended meanings. At those times, I questioned whether I would have been able to read and understand the novel on my own without the guidance and analysis provided.

Nonetheless, despite these challenges, the novel's overall significance and the depth it offers make it a worthwhile read. It forces the reader to think critically and explore the hidden layers of meaning, ultimately expanding one's literary horizons.

I finished the first edition which was published in 1850 and then again in 1994.

Get your dictionaries out as you embark on this reading journey.

It's not just about her, the main character, but also about the people in her life.

The religion of the times plays a significant role in shaping the story and the characters' actions.

The expectable social ways of that era add another layer of complexity.

We also explore life in Salem after the witch trials, which had a profound impact on the community.

Life as a Puritan with a child, whether living in jail or on the outskirts of town, is vividly described.

Interestingly, the same people who shunned her earlier bought her fine needlework later.

This book is an appropriate reading material estimated to be at the high school level, offering valuable insights into history, society, and human nature.

This one was a little hard for me.

I really liked the story line, but I had a tough time getting through some of Hawthorne's writing.

Although it is beautiful, it can be quite dense.

There is a great deal of meaning in this book, and I have a particular fondness for Hester Pryne and her remarkable ability to deal with the label that has been thrust upon her.

I'm fairly certain that I only understood about half of what Hawthorne was attempting to convey, but that's okay.

The book is relatively short, which makes it a great choice if you're looking to read a classic.

It offers a glimpse into a different time and society, and explores themes such as sin, guilt, and redemption.

Despite the challenges I faced while reading it, I'm glad I took the time to experience this literary masterpiece.

I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys classic literature and is willing to put in a little effort to understand it.

Probably the most remarkable thing I encountered during this reading of TSL (about #4) was the profound meaning I derived from reading "The Holder of the World" simultaneously. Bharati Mukherjee infused TSL with new vitality through a novel perspective and abundant appropriations and expansions.

Moreover, I witnessed Hawthorne's endeavor and subsequent failure to emancipate Hester from the constraints of society. In my previous readings, I failed to perceive how Hester completed a full circle and returned to the puritanical subjugation. I had always regarded her as liberated, having overcome her obstacles.

However, this time around, I realized that she was precisely where society desired her to be. Suddenly, there was no escape. I wholeheartedly recommend reading TSL first and then "The Holder of the World" - it's an exciting journey!

This book had an extremely captivating story line. It was truly engaging from start to finish.

However, I would not recommend this to anyone who is younger than a junior honors student. The language and the complexity of the plot made it a rather tough read.

Nonetheless, for the most part, it was really good. There were certain parts that were quite funny, but one had to read closely to catch those humorous moments.

Overall, despite its challenges, it was a book that had its merits and could be enjoyed by those with the appropriate reading level and patience. :)