“We dream in our waking moments, and walk in our sleep.” This profound statement holds a certain truth. In our daily lives, we often find ourselves daydreaming, imagining things that may or may not come true. These waking dreams can be a source of inspiration, motivation, and creativity. They allow us to escape from the reality for a while and explore our inner desires and aspirations.

On the other hand, the idea of walking in our sleep can be interpreted in different ways. It could mean that we go through life on autopilot, not fully aware of what we are doing or where we are going. We may be following the same routine, making the same decisions, without really thinking about the consequences. Or it could suggest that we are unconsciously acting out our dreams and fears, even when we are not aware of it.

In conclusion, this statement reminds us to be more conscious of our dreams and actions. We should strive to make our waking dreams a reality by taking action and working towards our goals. At the same time, we should also be aware of our unconscious behaviors and make an effort to break free from the patterns that are holding us back. Only then can we truly live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

A religious/Christian psychodrama that delves deep into the themes of guilt, sin, and redemption, this work can become quite intense at times. First, Pearl and then Chillingworth are associated with the devil, adding a sense of mystery and foreboding.

There are also interesting secular themes explored, such as identity, forms of authority, and the individual versus society. However, Hawthorne can be rather heavy-handed with his symbolism.

From the 'scarlet letter' itself, which has multiple manifestations and interpretations, to the blatant instances of meteors, beams of sunshine, and roses, Hawthorne seems to be constantly hitting us over the head to ensure we understand his figurative subtexts. Slightly more subtle are the visions of Pearl flirting with her reflection in a stream, echoing both Ovid's Narcissus and Milton's Eve.

Definitely more similar to The Pilgrim's Progress than Tess of the D'Urbervilles. This work offers a complex and thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the consequences of our actions.

Those who had known her before and had anticipated seeing her dimmed and overshadowed by a disastrous cloud were astonished, and even startled, to notice how her beauty shone forth and created a halo around the misfortune and ignominy that enveloped her.

Many, many years ago, our Honors 11 English teacher, Mrs. Janet Fuchs, assigned us The Scarlet Letter. At sixteen, despite being an avid reader, I wasn't keen on exploring the wrongs committed by the Christian patriarchy. Instead, I relied on Cliffs Notes (much to Mrs. Fuchs' dismay, as I wasn't discreet about it). In the past few years, I've been attempting to read more classics, both those never assigned and those I faked my way through, but I hadn't yet gotten to this one. Well, a couple of weeks ago, Mrs. Fuchs passed away. She was an excellent teacher, fondly remembered by a generation of students. I'm certain I would have learned a great deal more from her if I had actually put in the effort. So, as a way of honoring her (albeit perhaps a rather strange way), I finally decided to read The Scarlet Letter.

Some aspects of the reading experience were predictable. The language is a bit stilted in certain places. And there are simply So Many Symbols: the rosebush, the scaffold, daytime versus nighttime, nature versus society, physical manifestations of emotional states, the names of Chillingworth, Dimmesdale, and Pearl, and last but not least, the titular scarlet letter itself, perhaps the most famous symbol in all of literature. (That would be an interesting list to compile: the scarlet letter, the whale from Moby Dick, Harry Potter's scar, and what else?)
However, I was surprised by how well the story holds up for a modern audience. Hester's feminist choices and moral strength in accepting society's judgment while refusing to name her lover. Chillingworth's willingness to accept his share of the blame for what occurred between them. The story's portrayal of the quotation* attributed to Confucius: "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves." The theme that the self-loathing born from some secret sin is even more destructive than the shame that comes with publicly owning up to your mistakes. And Hawthorne makes a mockery of Puritanical morality and the ultimate futility of a patriarchal society trying to brand the women it can neither control nor do without.
The Scarlet Letter may be the quintessential** book for studying in school. The deliberate construction of the story, the integration of actual early-American history into the fiction, the themes, motifs, symbols, and other literary devices all make this book a must-teach in English classes. Fortunately for future generations of students, it is a timeless story with much to teach those who are willing to learn. Highly recommended.
* "You quote someone. It is a quotation." A classic Mrs. Fuchs correction of a student who dared to use the word "quote" as a noun.
** No one left Mrs. Fuchs' class without being able to use her favorite word—quintessential—in a sentence. RIP, Mrs. Fuchs.

Acho que muita gente já leu este clássico da literatura ou deve pelo menos saber sobre o que trata. Eu conhecia o título, mas não fazia ideia nenhuma de qual era a história nem sobre o que versava. Daí que parti para esta leitura sem grandes expectativas e particamente às cegas.

É uma história que se lê bem, mas não foi um livro que me fizesse querer continuar a ler sem parar. Isso porque, logo de início, se percebe o que aconteceu e quem é o responsável, apesar de Hester nunca o revelar, pela tragédia que se abate sobre ela. A leitura foi mais apelativa porque foi partilhada com a minha compincha do costume, Cristina. E as trocas de impressões sobre a obra foram sempre interessantes, apesar de a obra não o ser tanto.

A protagonista, Hester Prynne, é de um caracter extraordinário. Ela aceita o que lhe acontece com uma dignidade que provavelmente falharia a muito boa gente. O seu único pecado, a sua única ignomínia, foi ter caído por um tonto como o Arthur Dimmesdale. Alguém que, na minha opinião, estava muitos furos abaixo dela e não a merecia de todo - o hipócrita. Ainda bem que no final ela percebeu o tipo que ele era. Já foi tarde, mas ainda foi a tempo.

Pensou na floresta sombria, com o seu vale solitário, e o amor, e a angústia, e o tronco coberto de musgo, onde, sentados mão em mão, haviam misturado sua conversa triste e apaixonada com o murmúrio melancólico do regato. Quão profundamente se haviam então conhecido! E era este o homem? Mal o conhecia agora! Ele, passando ali altivamente, envolvido, por assim dizer, na música solene, com o cortejo de anciãos majestosos e venerandos; ele, tão inatingível na sua opinião mundana, e ainda mais no fim daquela perspectiva dos seus pensamentos diferentes pelo qual ela agora o via! Seu espírito abateu-se com a ideia de que deveria tudo ter sido um sonho, e que, por vividamente que tivesse sonhado, não poderia haver laço algum entre ela e o padre.

Just a book I was forced to read in high school.

At that time, I really had a strong aversion to "oldies", thinking they were dull and uninteresting. However, this particular book somehow managed to capture my attention and make me like it.

It was a strange feeling because it also made me extremely angry. The plot and the characters' actions sometimes frustrated me to no end.

But upon reflection, I realized that it was precisely this ability to evoke such intense emotions that made it a good story. It wasn't just a simple read; it made me think and feel deeply.

Looking back now, I'm glad that I was forced to read this book. It opened my eyes to the fact that even among the "oldies", there are hidden gems that can touch our hearts and minds.

Maybe I should be more open-minded in the future and not judge a book by its age or appearance. Who knows what other wonderful stories are waiting for me to discover?

I read The Scarlet Letter in high school and truly enjoyed it.

Several years ago, I also watched the film with Demi Moore. However, it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

What still fascinates me about this book and the entire subject is Hester's remarkable self-confidence. Her stance is one of unwavering courage and tenacity. It's truly inspiring.

I understand that her penance was so sincere that she named her child Scarlet and always dressed her in red. But the quality of the dresses and the simple pride with which she stands are still deeply moving.

The image of Hester, with her scarlet letter and her proud bearing, has stayed with me all these years. It's a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

**"Rediscovering The Scarlet Letter"**

“No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true…”
-\\tNathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter

When I think back to my high school days and the subject of English, The Scarlet Letter always springs to mind. It was a book that initially made me loathe the way literature was taught to us kids. I had loved reading since I could remember, but high school English seemed to suck the joy out of it. My love for reading withered like leaves in autumn, thanks to a series of well-meaning teachers and their familiar syllabi. Despite being an advanced reader in middle school, I struggled to finish more than a few books during those four years.

The main culprit, at least in part, was Nathaniel Hawthorne and his dense prose. His writing style, with its complicated themes and lack of regard for pacing or drama, was a turn-off for a young reader like me. This style was also prevalent in many of the required reading books. When I was handed The Scarlet Letter at fourteen or fifteen, I was not excited. Instead, I felt like I was being forced into a psychological dissection, similar to the fetal pig dissection in biology class. The sentences were difficult to understand, and the excessive use of colors and symbols made it hard to find meaning. By the end of it, I wanted nothing to do with books.

However, there is a good reason to study literature. It teaches us critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to sit still and finish a page. These are important skills that we need in life, especially in this age of constant distraction. I'm not suggesting that we get rid of English class. But I do think that it's more important to get young people to love reading in the first place. English teachers could learn a thing or two from drug dealers about how to hook their clients on the good stuff.

If I were in charge of the world, I would assign popular contemporary fiction in high school and subject students to the same analyses, but with less pain. But since I don't run the world, The Scarlet Letter remains a classic. Twenty-five years after I last read it, I decided to pick it up again, mainly out of a need for catharsis and a sense of unfinished business. (Full disclosure: I had previously read the Cliffs Notes version in 1994.) To my surprise, I actually kind of loved it.

The Scarlet Letter is a well-known story about a "fallen" woman, her vengeful husband, and a young minister with a secret. The heroine, Hester Prynne, is publicly shamed for her adultery and forced to wear a red "A" on her breast. She refuses to name her lover, even when her husband, Roger Chillingworth, arrives. Chillingworth, a physician, becomes determined to find out who Hester's paramour is and exact his revenge. The third character in the story is Arthur Dimmesdale, a popular preacher who defends Hester when he can but is also wasting away for some unknown reason.

The story is set in 1642 and features real-life personages and events, which Hawthorne uses to give the story an air of authenticity. The prose is dense and requires attention, with long sentences and a lot of commas and hyphens. The dialogue is also full of Puritan-speak, which can be difficult to understand. But despite these challenges, Hawthorne's ability to describe a place is remarkable. He creates a vivid picture of precolonial Massachusetts as a wild and mysterious place.

The core story is so iconic that it's hard to judge objectively. If it were written today, would it still be relevant? I'm not sure. But the interplay between the characters is fascinating, especially that between Hester, Arthur, and Roger. Roger, in particular, is a standout character, adding excitement and drama to every scene he's in. Hester is also a strong and resilient character, unafraid of the judgments of others. The ending of the book is over-the-top and melodramatic, but I actually found it quite fun. It's a world ruled by emotion, and I just went with the flow.

The irony is that I have come to appreciate this book about emotionally volatile adults long after high school, when I myself was an emotionally volatile teenager. It's only with the wisdom and calm that comes with age that I realize how this book is actually a perfect match for the mental state of a typical teenager. Of course, that doesn't mean that your average teenager is going to read it voluntarily. But perhaps if we taught literature in a more engaging and relevant way, they might be more willing to give it a try.

The Scarlet Letter is an extraordinarily melancholy novel about error, sin, guilt, and expiation, in an environment marked by puritanism and hypocrisy.

Hester Prynne is the heroine of this major work by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Judged by the Puritans of New England in the 17th century, Hester is condemned to expiate her sin by forever wearing the stigma of an adulteress in the form of the letter A stamped in red on her chest.

The scarlet letter and, later, Pearl, the daughter of that out-of-wedlock relationship, are eloquent symbols of the deviation from the existing laws and religion.

But Hester does not behave like a victim. She assumes what she has done, does not flee, faces all the scorn and curses with courage, and raises her daughter with care and love. Soon, they confuse that A with the initial of angel.

Since an adultery is not committed alone, there is, of course, another sinner. But this lover and father hides from public reproach and from his peers. Everyone considers him virtuous and good, and he does not deny it. But the guilt gnaws at the inside and, little by little, the outside of this man.

When reading more about the author's life, one can see how he abhorred these Puritans, from whom he distanced himself, and how he exalted the courage of those who assume their destiny, however hateful it may seem in the eyes of the closest ones. He himself decided to be a writer against the will of his family, who did not see it as a profession.

I recommend this book to those who are willing to spend some time going back to the beginning of the sentences, as they are quite long, in the certainty that the effort will be rewarded.

Current rating based on high school mandatory reading experience.

Looking back on my high school days, the books that were part of the mandatory reading list left a certain impression on me. At that time, perhaps due to my limited life experience and maturity, my perception of those works was somewhat one-sided.

However, the comments on this review have piqued my curiosity. They are making me think that I might give those books another chance. Now that I am an adult, with more life wisdom and a broader perspective, I wonder if my understanding and appreciation of those literary masterpieces will change.

I am eager to explore the depths of those stories again, to see if I can discover new meanings and insights that eluded me in my youth. Maybe this second reading will open up a whole new world of literary enjoyment for me.

Just a few weeks ago, television presented a young Hollywood actress, according to which the students of a school read "The Scarlet Letter" as an assignment and one of them, out of a lie, became the heroine of the book in today's era. Theoretically, there are no more Puritans. Or maybe there are? Theoretically, our society is open and tolerant. Or maybe not? By "our society", I don't mean the Greek society, but the global community. A global community that wallows in the shifting sands of hatred and prejudice (not with pride, but with anxiety). Hitler didn't come up with the stars on his own. He had prototypes to imitate, just like the jihadists. Exactly because the community of this global world wallows, this little book, this sarcastic look at the malicious and vindictive nature of the "religious" person, is more relevant than ever.

I'm truly astonished that I liked this as much as I did.

Booktube has become a fascinating and influential corner of the internet. It's a platform where book lovers from all over the world come together to share their passion for reading.

The video I linked, https://youtu.be/VzDuoVwdKpY, offers some really interesting insights into the world of Booktube.

From book reviews to reading challenges, Booktubers have found unique ways to engage with their audiences and promote the love of books.

It's amazing to see how a simple platform can bring together so many people with a common interest and create a community that is both supportive and inspiring.

I look forward to exploring more of Booktube and seeing what other great content and discussions it has to offer.

Nathaniel Hawthorne is indeed the coolest name ever.

However, I can understand why some people might dislike this book. Hawthorne doesn't hold back when it comes to using a plethora of words. He seems to enjoy perforating his readers' craniums with an extensive utilization of verbose language. This can be intimidating and irritating for those whose literary tastes do not lean towards grandiose diction.

Yet, reading The Scarlet Letter was a relief for me. I would much rather deal with rambling paragraphs and stocky sentences than quadratic equations and piecewise functions any day. Moreover, his writing is truly beautiful. It may be a little grandiloquent, but it is still absolutely brilliant.

Not to mention that it must have taken a great deal of courage to publish a book like this. It is openly feminist and psychological, two aspects that I'm certain were not comfortable dinner topics in the 1850s. Hawthorne skillfully delves into the themes of legalism and guilt, and the story is one that makes you think. Apparently, he wrote the book (and changed his last name from Hathorne to Hawthorne) because his uncle was an executioner at the Salem witch trials - which kind of sounds like something I would do...

*cross-posted from my blog, the quiet voice.