The Scarlet Letter with Connections

by Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc.

Like new condition. Cover, pages and spine in pristine condition.

Genres: Classics, Fiction

312 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Madelyn Bushman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book, filled with passion and love, along with betrayal and juicy secrets. I enjoyed this book, it is a harder read, but it was a very entertaining book. I enjoyed the character of Hester and enjoyed watching her daughter Pearl grow. I would recommend to readers who enjoy older reads, or romance.

[Sean Mahoney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tis a classic for a reason. I think the audiobook was better cause the Olde English flows more when heard instead of read.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In teaching this book to my 11th grade honors students I warned them that the introduction was a butt-kicker. It is a tough read. That may be why the editor of this edition saw fit to cut the introduction from its rightful place at the beginning of the text and stick it at the end not only after the text but also after the supplemental readings. I suspect Hawthorne did not intend this and even though the introduction is challenging, it still feels insulting and like a dumbing down to hide it at the back of the book. It is not only an interesting framing device but also provides important characterization of the narrator and should spark discussion on who the narrator is (a persona of Hawthorne himself?). It also allows the reader to experience Hawthorne in a whimsical mood (something absent from the rest of the text).

Some of the issues Hawthorne is grappling with in this novel are very personal to him as he comes to terms with some the horrible things a few of his ancestors did (sentencing women to death during the Salem witch trials, etc.). You can feel Hawthorne's equivocation on issues such as Nature's law versus humans' law versus God's law, inheritability of sin, physiognomy as an indicator of the state of the soul, etc. as he strives to develop and define his personal philosophy. If he thought he had all the answers this novel would not have the gravitas it does.

Overall I would say this novel deserves the place of high esteem it holds in the canon but this edition is not the best out there (it has no footnotes or endnotes so readers may very well miss some points of historical reference). I recommend the Modern Library Classics edition (ISBN #978-0-679-78338-1).

[Reading Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really nice to read. It took a level of effort because of the antiquated language, but once you slow down and understand the meaning you can start to understand the beauty in this way of storytelling. The symbolism is very strong and it's easy to see purposeful imagery throughout the story, which makes the ending that much more satisfying. Readers won't see the ending coming, but once it is explained it is clear that the ending is inevitable. It's great for learning more about Puritan society but it is also about what societies value, love, hate, and deem good. Hawthorne flips the norms of Puritan society on its head, perhaps encouraging us to the same to the societies and communities we love and belong to.

[Anna Hardesty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathaniel Hawthorne obviously has a strong view when it comes to Puritans. I felt that this book was extremely powerful in many ways.

The theme of hypocrisy is extremely important in this novel and I feel like Nathaniel does an amazing job of pointing this out. The wording is a little hard if you're not very familar with "Shakespeare" writing but if you read the no fear version on sparknotes, it helps out a lot.

I loved this book. I felt like I was there while I was reading it, watching Hester upon the scaffold.

I think everyone should read this, sometime in their lives.

[Morgan S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, was a very interesting and twisted story. I liked the way he used many symbols and ironies throughout the book. Those two elements alone made the story more interesting. Also, Nathaniel Hawthorne's form of writing was very strange and peculiar, because his style was dark romance. If I was not assigned this book in English class, I most likely would not have chose to read this book.

[Marisol Vazquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have finally finished this book after four months of on and off reading. I am a real-life procrastinator.
This is a great book. You really have to take into account the time this book was written in and what it is about.
P.S. it took me all this time to read it because it was required by my English teacher. Loved the book though.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as required reading goes, not too shabby. The plot is actually very interesting. However, the simple fact that it was written in a different time gets in the way. Living in the modern era, Hawthorne's style just doesn't have a lot of readability. Perhaps a modern translation would be more appropriate if you actually want to get into the book.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hawthorne is still Hawthorne. It can be a little long-winded at times, and his symbolism is a product of his time. However, he really captures the complexity of his characters, which is well-complimented by his imagery. His sense of irony and his skill in likening two completely different things fits beautifully within the story.

[Aurora · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was well thought out and written beautifully, the author got too descriptive at points and when some big event wasn't happening it could get a little boring. I loved how he showed that everyone is a sinner even those who are considered the holiest among us, that we all are imperfect.

[Rachel Campion · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very complicated book. I really disliked it a lot.

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second time around made it seem more interesting. I laugh because he gets so off topic! Brought back the high school memories. :0)

[Ellenor · Rating 4 out of 5]

School read. Surprisingly enjoyable to read, and was actually exciting to discuss.