Title: The Scarlet Letter Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne Description: Nathaniel Hawthorne's enduring classic, "The Scarlet Letter," is a powerful and deeply introspective novel that explores the complexities of human nature, morality, and the enduring consequences of sin. Set in the harsh, Puritanical society of 17th-century Massachusetts, the story unfolds against a backdrop of rigid religious beliefs and strict societal norms. At the heart of the novel is Hester Prynne, a young woman who, after giving birth to ...
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Title: The Scarlet Letter Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne Description: Nathaniel Hawthorne's enduring classic, "The Scarlet Letter," is a powerful and deeply introspective novel that explores the complexities of human nature, morality, and the enduring consequences of sin. Set in the harsh, Puritanical society of 17th-century Massachusetts, the story unfolds against a backdrop of rigid religious beliefs and strict societal norms. At the heart of the novel is Hester Prynne, a young woman who, after giving birth to an illegitimate child, is condemned to wear a scarlet letter "A" on her chest as a symbol of her sin. Her refusal to reveal the identity of the child's father and her unwavering resilience in the face of public shame make her a symbol of both sin and strength. "The Scarlet Letter" delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil experienced by Hester as she grapples with her transgression and strives to find her place in a judgmental society. The novel also introduces Arthur Dimmesdale, the conflicted and tormented minister who bears a hidden connection to Hester's sin, and Roger Chillingworth, a malevolent physician determined to uncover the truth. Hawthorne skillfully weaves a tale of love, guilt, and redemption as the lives of these three characters become intricately entwined. The novel explores the themes of hidden sin, the consequences of silence, and the dual nature of humanity, depicting how people navigate the tension between the moral codes imposed by society and their inner desires and convictions. With its rich symbolism, evocative prose, and profound character development, "The Scarlet Letter" is a timeless work of American literature that continues to captivate readers, sparking discussions on themes of sin, forgiveness, and the human condition. This thought-provoking masterpiece serves as a powerful commentary on the enduring struggle for individuality and the pursuit of personal truth in a society governed by harsh judgment and conformity.
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Add this copy of The Scarlet Letter to cart. $16.19, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2023 by Paper and Pen.
Add this copy of The Scarlet Letter to cart. $28.73, new condition, Sold by Ria Christie Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Uxbridge, MIDDLESEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2023 by Paper and Pen.
Add this copy of The Scarlet Letter to cart. $36.73, new condition, Sold by Booksplease rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Southport, MERSEYSIDE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2023 by Paper and Pen.
The novel begins with the narrator, a Custom House official, who happens to find a scarlet letter "A" in a box he finds one day in the office. The narrator then relates the story of Hester Prynne, the original bearer of the scarlet letter, who lived in Boston when it was just a small Puritan settlement in the seventeenth century.
Hester's story begins on a scaffold just outside the town prison. She has committed adultery, given birth to a child out of wedlock, and refuses to name the man with whom she had the affair. The village leaders hope to shame her into naming her lover by making her into a public spectacle. Even under intense pressure, Hester refuses to reveal her secret. She alone must bear the shame and isolation resulting from her actions. As a punishment, Hester is made to wear a scarlet letter "A" on her chest at all times. The letter "A" stands for adultery and causes her and her daughter to be scorned by the members of her community.
FanOfTimeLifeBooks
Jun 22, 2015
Sin and Punishment in Puritan Boston
Written in 1850 and set in Puritan Boston in the 1600s, The Scarlet Letter tells the story of Hester Prynne and her punishment for committing adultery. The novel develops the themes of sin, punishment, isolation, and redemption. The letter A worn by Hester Prynne means adultery but could also mean able or afflicted depending on how one interprets the book. I liked this story very much but I found the writing style a bit ponderous at times. Still, this is a good historical novel dealing with sin and suffering in a historical context.
sarab
Dec 3, 2009
Women's Rights in Puritan Times
I am not done with the book - I am about half-way through. But I am enjoying this book even though the book is a realistic view of women's rights set during the 1600's America. It is not easy reading but the book has given me topics to review and contemplate.
JTucknessB
Nov 19, 2009
Red Letter Book
I found ?The Scarlet Letter? to be first rate. Well written and descriptive of the period. I?m sorry that it took me so many years to get around to reading it. Most people read it in high school.
torinicole2009
Nov 18, 2008
Nice Read
This is a great classic book. I really enjoyed it when we had to read as a class in highschool my first year. It's great for class discussions.
