Eric answers “I know it's a classic and a must read and...”

James Smith asked this question about The Scarlet Letter:

I know it's a classic and a must read and I know many of you are more intellectual readers and will enjoy. I enjoyed the historical setting, but struggled with the old english language. I'm willing to give another try. Any ideas on how I could get past the language? Should I get Cliff Notes?

Eric Considering you posted your question 5 years ago, I'm guessing you're over it. One thing I notice, that may be helpful, is a lot of writers when they …moreConsidering you posted your question 5 years ago, I'm guessing you're over it. One thing I notice, that may be helpful, is a lot of writers when they are talking about things that have less to do with the plot and more to do with building context to lay the foundation for the setting they use writing that is more difficult to comprehend than when they are connecting to us with their plot. It seems to me, more often than not, when the author is giving us something important the writing is more eloquent and relatable, when they are describing the landscape or setting the writing takes on a more obscure and poetry tone -- and let's face it, poetry is harder to understand than direct writing.(less)

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The Scarlet Letter

by Nathaniel Hawthorne

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