Always a bit of a trip reading these 19th century authors as they're so verbose. It's like embarking on a long and winding journey through a forest of words. I had trouble deciding whether this was proto-feminism or whether he really believed some of the stuff he was spouting about sin and the devil. The text seems to be a strange mix of ideas, with some parts hinting at a more progressive view of women's rights, while others are firmly rooted in the traditional religious and moral beliefs of the time. It makes me wonder if the author was conflicted himself, or if he was simply trying to present a complex and nuanced view of the world. Either way, it's an interesting read that makes me think about the role of literature in shaping our understanding of history and society.

This is a review of the format of the 2nd Edition of this version of The Scarlet Letter and related writings. It is not a review of the classic by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

The selection is a dense read. Besides the writings by Hawthorne, this Norton Critical Edition of The Scarlet Letter provides essays from various critics representing different forms of literary criticism, such as New Criticism, Feminism, Psychoanalysis, New Historicism, and so on.

Some of the essays are rather long. At times, it is hard to understand the editors' choices to keep some essays in their full length while shortening others, when perhaps they should have been left complete. Additionally, the fact that some of the critical essays included in this edition were surprisingly illogical for scholarly writing made me feel that I had to deduct a star.

Overall, however, I would say that it was a pleasant read, and some of the essays were relatively insightful and interesting to consider when rereading The Scarlet Letter. Like many other reviewers on this page, I had to revisit this story after my first encounter in high school.

I would argue that for a classic as dense and as deeply ingrained in our United States history as Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, a critical edition like this one is excellent. By presenting new conversations and perspectives over the years about the same text, readers can not only come to terms with their own ideas about Hawthorne's writings but also have their thoughts challenged and reinvented through dialogue with other essayists.

I can clearly understand why this story holds the status of a classic. It encompasses a plethora of elements that make it truly captivating. There are the star-crossed lovers, whose doomed romance tugs at the heartstrings. The presence of deceit adds an air of mystery and complexity, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats. Then there is the theme of murder, which looms large in the background, creating a sense of tension and foreboding. Additionally, the aspect of religious fanaticism further enriches the story, exploring the darker side of human nature and the consequences of extreme beliefs. And yet, I'm quite certain that I'm probably missing some other equally important elements that contribute to its classic status.

However, what I simply can't fathom is why this story has been labeled as a Banned Book. In the story, no actual sex occurs. The act that might be considered inappropriate takes place before the story even begins, and thus is not graphically depicted within the narrative. Moreover, there is no murder that happens within the story itself. There is no actual violence inflicted upon Hester. It truly makes me wonder

The Scarlet Letter is a novel that holds a special place in my heart. It fills me with a melancholy delight that borders on awe, reverence, and even love. The language is highly wrought and dense, dealing with psychological precision and nuance, and the imagery is eloquent. The character delineation is superb, being both archetypical and real, prophetic and truly American. The moral intertwining of good and evil in this dark tale of woe is subtle and ambiguous. Hawthorne's romance has a place among works like Blood Meridian, Heart of Darkness, Atonement, Lolita, and others that combine great language with dark subject matter.

The key words "ambiguous" and "ambivalent" apply to The Scarlet Letter. The central symbol is treated in an ambiguous way, evolving from a symbol of crime and shame to one of service and finally of sorrow and reverence. Hester's struggle with the symbol and the narrator's ambivalence towards her add to the complexity. Ambivalence also characterizes the reactions to Pearl, Roger Chillingworth, and Arthur Dimmesdale. I have a complicated response to these characters, detesting Roger's malice and Arthur's hypocrisy while pitying them and seeing their redeeming qualities.

Hawthorne's ambivalence as a writer is also remarkable. He creates a Puritan setting while being an ambivalent Romantic. He straddles the 17th and 19th centuries through the art of "romance," mixing the actual and the imaginary. Hester, the heroine, is a woman of great stature, beauty, complexity, and heroism. The narrator treats her with sympathy, and the novel's moral and aesthetic sympathies lie with her. Her rebellion and elevation of the heart's truths are highlighted.
The style of the novel, with its long sentences, psychological insight, and historical and descriptive brilliance, appeals to its rich aesthetic. While some may view it as overrich, I think the heightened eloquence and elevated cadences fit and engage the reader. The Scarlet Letter is a touchstone for great art, like Paradise Lost, Macbeth, and other masterpieces. It does not provide easy answers or satisfaction, but its portrayal of rich characters, eloquent style, play of history and romance, and overall spellbinding effect earn it the title of "masterpiece" and make it a work to be read and thought about with awe, reverence, and love.

I haven't read all of Hawthorne's works. However, it's evident that The Scarlet Letter poses more difficulties compared to The House of Seven Gables and The Blithedale Romance.

That's why I highly recommend purchasing the Norton Critical Edition. The footnotes within it truly assist the reader in navigating through the text.

In the distant past, I had read Scarlet Letter twice, yet I never really took a liking to it or fully understood it. This time around, I finally grasped the power of the author's challenging prose and the complexity of the issues that emerge from the main group of characters, namely Hester, Pearl, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth.

This may not necessarily be the most entertaining of the classics, but it's truly fascinating as a study of how one "sin" can have vastly different consequences and ripple effects through the lives of those who are affected by it. I'm extremely glad that I gave this book a third chance.

It has opened my eyes to a whole new level of understanding and appreciation for Hawthorne's work.

Okay, well, the edition that I happened to read consisted of one-third of The Scarlet Letter itself and two-thirds of people's discussions and commentaries about The Scarlet Letter. I had every intention of delving into some of the essays and criticisms. However, that stuff turned out to be really annoying. Even the preface written by the author was unbearably flowery and almost impossible to read.

This was one of those books that we studied in high school, yet I never actually read it back then. I also knew the general storyline from hearing Demi Moore talk about it on Oprah on one occasion.

The Scarlet Letter is truly an outstanding piece of work. It is beautifully written, with a poetic language that draws the reader in. The ideas presented in the book are great, and the story is extremely compelling. It also contains deep philosophies and provides a historical account. Without a doubt, it is a true classic in the canon of world literature.

I fully expect to read this book again in 10 to 15 years, this time with my kids by my side, sharing this wonderful literary experience with them.

Surprisingly entertaining!

This statement truly encapsulates the essence of the experience. All in all, it is a good story.

The plot is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the overall narrative keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.

However, despite its many merits, it is not really my thing.

Perhaps it is the genre that doesn't quite resonate with me, or maybe the writing style is not to my taste.

Nevertheless, I can objectively recognize that it is a well-crafted story that many others will surely enjoy.

It goes to show that different people have different preferences when it comes to literature, and what one person may find captivating, another may not.

Nonetheless, it is always interesting to explore new stories and expand our literary horizons.

Who knows, maybe the next one will be the perfect fit for me.

This is an absolutely GORGEOUS novel. ARGH! I find myself having to eat every single comment I have ever made about Hawthorne. He is truly a genius.

I kind of hate myself for overlooking everything crucial about this novel during my first reading. There is the beautiful love story that unfolds, filled with passion and longing. Then there is the strong protofeminist single mother, Hester Prynne, who defies the norms of society and stands firm in her beliefs.

And let's not forget the tightly constructed web of symbolism that Hawthorne weaves throughout the story. It adds depth and complexity, making the novel a true masterpiece. I am officially abashed, but it is a happy kind of abashment.

Realizing my initial misinterpretations has opened my eyes to the true brilliance of this work, and I am now eager to explore it further and discover all the hidden gems that I may have missed before.

This is truly a remarkable edition for teaching "The Scarlet Letter."

It contains a selection of highly relevant short stories. These short stories have subjects that are either referenced within "The Scarlet Letter" or are closely related to it.

Moreover, following these short stories, there are several outstanding historical and critical articles.

These articles provide valuable insights into the historical context in which "The Scarlet Letter" was written, as well as different critical perspectives on the novel.

They help students to better understand the themes, characters, and literary devices used in the book.

Overall, this edition is an excellent resource for teachers and students alike, as it offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of "The Scarlet Letter."

I always keep this book in an easily accessible place, for it is a book that is worthy of being read and re-read.

Even though the story occurs in the distant past, the emotions, the sentiment, and the themes such as sin, knowledge, and social acceptance or rejection are still very much alive today.

I highly recommend this novel because I firmly believe that everyone can establish a connection with either Hester, Chillingworth, Dimmsdale, Pearl, or the society that stigmatizes each of them.

The characters in the story are so vividly portrayed that they seem to step out of the pages and into our own lives.

We can see ourselves in their struggles, their joys, and their sorrows.

This novel not only entertains but also makes us reflect on our own values and beliefs.

It is a timeless classic that will continue to touch the hearts and minds of readers for generations to come.

I remember the time when my teacher compelled me to read this book.

At that moment, I had no anticipation for it whatsoever. I firmly believed that it would be extremely outdated and uninteresting.

However, to my great surprise, as I delved deeper into the story, I became completely engrossed.

It was truly fascinating to discover how life was for women during that era.

The Scarlet Letter has rightfully earned its status as a classic.

It merits all the acclaim and recognition it has received.

In fact, I would even go so far as to suggest that we should burn all the movie adaptations of this book.

They simply cannot do justice to the profound and complex themes presented in the original novel.

The written word has a power and beauty that cannot be replicated on the big screen.

We should respect and preserve the integrity of this literary masterpiece.

I finally read it! This book truly made me ponder deeply. What scarlet letters do I wear? Is the scarlet letter really essential? One of my most cherished scriptures in the Old Testament is from Isaiah, which states, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be as red as crimson, they shall be as wool." I firmly believe that it is crucial to acknowledge one's transgressions. However, I don't think anyone should have to bear their sins throughout their entire lives. Even a scarlet "A" can be made as white as snow.

When thinking about the scarlet letter that Hester Prynne wore as a genuine symbol of her sin, I find the comparisons to be remarkably striking and highly relatable, even in today's society. The way she constantly had it pinned to her dress until it became an integral part of her was truly interesting. It evolved into a real aspect of her identity. I believe this can occur to anyone who fails to abandon their sins. We all have our own "scarlet letters" in various forms, whether it's a past mistake, a regret, or a flaw. But just like Hester Prynne, we have the power to transform and overcome them, to make our "scarlet letters" as white as snow and move forward with a newfound sense of self and redemption.