As a teenager in high school, I was "required" to read certain books.

It was "A Tale of Two Cities" and "A Scarlet Letter" that very nearly made me lose all interest in reading.

Even to this day, I have absolutely no inclination to re-read these books.

Fortunately, I came across Tolkien's "The Hobbitt", which more than compensated for the ordeal of having to endure high school literature.

Therefore, I truly have no clue as to how I should rate this book.

Maybe it's because my initial experiences with required reading were so negative that it has clouded my perception of all books to some extent.

Or perhaps it's because I haven't found a book that has truly captured my heart and imagination since "The Hobbitt".

In any case, I remain somewhat ambivalent when it comes to rating this particular book.

What's really cool about this edition is the extra readings it offers.

There are several of Hawthorne's other stories, along with some interesting essays by literary critics and professionals. It's a great combination, like getting a burger with fries and a drink.

It fills you up more because the original print of "The Scarlet Letter" isn't very long. And considering the price, I expected more content, and it delivers.

However, the most prominent piece in this novel is, of course, "The Scarlet Letter." To be honest, I liked this book more in high school than I do now.

There's a five or six-year difference, and I enjoy it less as an adult. Times change, but it's still a good story. It was scandalous for its time and still is, which is probably why it has endured.

There's a mystical quality to it, especially in the descriptions of Pearl, the only child mentioned. She is clearly the most symbolic part of the story, aside from the scarlet letter itself.

I don't know if it's because the writing is considered perfect or if people just accept it as the style of the time, but imagine reading a modern book full of symbolism that's constantly shoved in your face. Would that be acceptable?

People back then might have soaked up symbolism like a sponge because the only other stimulating entertainment was looking at paintings and art, which were also often full of symbolism, but it was more subtle.

This book isn't as subtle, and I wonder how it would hold up if written today.

But it's still a good classic. If you like Nathaniel Hawthorne and want to read more of his work and some literary essays about him, it's not a bad choice.

It's very interesting to explore if that's what you're interested in.

One of the finest critical papers I ever penned was an in-depth analysis of The Scarlet Letter and Beloved. Another was a New Historicism critique of Young Goodman Brown. Nathaniel Hawthorne is undeniably a talented writer. However, at times, his writing style can be a bit too elaborate and flowery for my personal taste.

Despite his talent, I find myself disliking his work. One of the main issues I have with his writing is the pacing. It often feels slow and拖沓, making it a bit of a struggle to get through his works.

Another problem is his overuse of symbolism. It seems as if every sentence is trying to hit you over the head with some hidden meaning or message. This can be overwhelming and take away from the overall enjoyment of the story.

But perhaps the most significant issue with Hawthorne's work is his blatant fixation on Puritans. He seems unable to write anything without somehow bringing it back to the subject and its themes. This can make his works feel one-sided and limited in scope.

Even more concerning is the fact that to a large degree, his criticisms of Puritan society are inaccurate. This book may be useful for writing papers as it can be thoroughly explored by many critical fields. However, I don't believe it to be a beautiful or enjoyable book. Sadly, this has led to its popularity in classrooms, which in turn has scared many students away from better classic novels.

This is an outstanding edition of Hawthorne's magnum opus.

It not only features a carefully curated selection of his short stories but also contains over 500 pages of essays.

These essays offer comprehensive and in-depth explorations of every conceivable interpretation of the novel.

Readers will have the opportunity to delve into the rich and complex world of Hawthorne's works, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of his literary genius.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Hawthorne or new to his writing, this edition is sure to captivate and inspire.

It is a must-have for any literature lover or scholar interested in exploring the works of this great American author.

What a truly beautiful story this is! It has the power to bring tears to one's eyes on several occasions. Hawthorne has done an outstanding job in portraying the daily themes within this book.

We see the judgmental women who are quick to pass harsh verdicts. There is the purity of love that shines through despite the challenges. The penitence of sinners who bravely choose to endure their own Gethsemane, listening only to their creator.

The darkness and misery of a soul that succumbs to vengeance and hate are also vividly depicted. And then there is the crowd that learns to forgive and accept the shunned as part of their community.

All of these elements are well embodied in the story and are written in a brilliant and engaging manner. It is a literary masterpiece that continues to touch the hearts and minds of readers.

I did not have the opportunity to study this in high school. It is truly remarkable how great teachers can make all the difference.

Instead, during my graduate school days, I had the privilege of taking a class on Melville and Hawthorne under the guidance of Dr. Lucy Freibert.

Dr. Freibert's teaching style was truly captivating. She had an uncanny ability to bring all of these works to life by providing us with the rich historical and social contexts in which they were written.

It was in this very class that I delved into the profound and complex world of "Moby-Dick".

Thanks to Dr. Freibert's expertise and passion, I was able to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of these literary masterpieces.

Her teachings not only enhanced my knowledge but also inspired me to explore the works of Melville and Hawthorne further.

I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have learned from such an outstanding teacher.

Full disclosure, I must admit that I did not peruse every single page of this book. Instead, I focused solely on The Scarlet Letter. To be frank, I am not an ardent admirer of this particular story.

The narrative appears to plod along for what seems like an interminable number of chapters. It meanders aimlessly, lacking a sense of urgency or a clear direction. And then, quite unexpectedly, it reaches its conclusion in a rather abrupt manner within the last couple of chapters.

Furthermore, I found the way the story portrays Pearl to be rather strange and off-putting. At times, it seems as though the book is suggesting that because she was born as a result of a sinful relationship, she is somehow innately more "devilish" or malevolent than all the other children. This is a highly unfair and inaccurate characterization. Pearl is a complex and innocent child, and to label her in such a derogatory way is simply unjust.

In conclusion, while The Scarlet Letter may have its merits, I found myself disappointed with certain aspects of the story, particularly its pacing and the treatment of Pearl.

This could stand for a re-read; especially the critical essays.

Re-reading is an essential activity, especially when it comes to critical essays. These essays often contain deep insights and complex ideas that may not be fully grasped in a single reading. By re-reading, one can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the author's arguments, the evidence presented, and the overall significance of the piece.

Critical essays require careful analysis and consideration. They may challenge our existing beliefs and perspectives, and force us to think more deeply about a particular topic. Re-reading allows us to engage with the text on a deeper level, to pick up on details that we may have missed the first time around, and to form our own opinions and interpretations.

In addition, re-reading can also enhance our writing skills. By studying the structure, style, and language of well-written critical essays, we can learn how to construct our own arguments more effectively, how to use evidence to support our claims, and how to communicate our ideas clearly and persuasively.

Overall, re-reading critical essays is a valuable practice that can help us to improve our reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. It allows us to engage with the text on a deeper level and to gain a more profound understanding of the ideas and issues presented. So, the next time you come across a critical essay that interests you, don't be afraid to read it again – you may be surprised at what you discover.

I think waiting to read this until college truly enhanced the experience.

For a bit of amusement, let's compare the scene with Hester and Arthur in the woods to the scene in "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton, where Ellen and that certain someone are in the Met.

It's not just because I happened to write a paper on it. Oh, those were such good times!

The contrast between the two scenes is quite striking. In the woods, Hester and Arthur have a moment of secrecy and passion, away from the prying eyes of society.

Meanwhile, in the Met, Ellen and her companion are in a more public setting, yet there is still an undercurrent of tension and unspoken emotions.

Both scenes offer a glimpse into the complex relationships and the constraints of the respective societies in which the characters live.

It's fascinating to analyze and compare these two moments, and it really adds depth to the reading experience.

Overall, waiting until college to read this has allowed me to appreciate these details and make these interesting connections.

Hawthorne's work is a powerful indictment of the hypocrisy that pervaded New England Puritanism.

Hester Prynne and her daughter Pearl face ostracism simply because Pearl is the product of an illegitimate relationship. The hypocrisy of Dimmesdale and nearly the entire Puritan community converges, ultimately driving Hester and Pearl towards a form of freedom that, although dark, is necessary.

The broader metaphor at play here is how the Puritan fixation on evil, much like Melville's white whale, represents a destructive trait inherent in all human beings.

It's a novel that is often taught too early. This is a mature piece of literature that demands a mature sensibility to truly appreciate its depth and significance.

Readers need to have the life experience and emotional intelligence to understand the complex themes and the nuanced portrayal of characters and their struggles within the context of Puritan society.

Only then can one fully grasp the profound message that Hawthorne is trying to convey about the nature of human hypocrisy and the search for true freedom and redemption.

This book is, without a doubt, single-handedly the most aggravating piece of literature that I have ever had to endure for class.

It was truly INFURIATING, and there were so many different reasons for this.

The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, making it a struggle to stay engaged. The characters were not well-developed, lacking depth and personality. The writing style was overly verbose and filled with unnecessary descriptions, which only served to slow down the pace of the story.

Moreover, the themes explored in the book were either too simplistic or too abstract, failing to resonate with me on a deeper level. I found myself constantly frustrated and bored while reading this book, and I could not wait to be done with it.

Overall, this book was a major disappointment and a waste of my time. I would not recommend it to anyone.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is not a book that I would highly recommend.

Don't misunderstand me; I have a penchant for gruesome and bleak stories that can truly captivate the reader. However, this gothic/romantic/dramatic tragedy seemed a bit overdone.

If you have a preference for slow-paced books, where the pages are filled with the characters' feelings and the reasons behind those feelings, much like the slow pouring of molasses out of a jar, then perhaps The Scarlet Letter is for you. But I'm not exaggerating when I say there are pages and pages dedicated to feelings. In fact, the title of the book might as well be The Superfluous Letter.

Nevertheless, there were a few redeeming qualities in the story. It delved into important themes such as morals, sin, and even had some underlying feminist undertones. As a result, The Scarlet Letter is a well-written "classic" that is beloved in many literary circles.

If you choose to read it, it can be a great way to impress your literature-loving friends. While some readers, like myself, might find it tedious, others might enjoy certain aspects of it. At the very least, getting to the end of the novel can be seen as an impressive accomplishment.