The Scarlet Letter

by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Scarlet Letter cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 5504
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9780679783381
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2000-09-19
  • Formats: 36
  • Reviews: 4

Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter' is a foundational work of American literature that delves into themes of adultery, guilt, and social repression. The novel introduces the unforgettable Hester Prynne, who discovers strength and resilience in the face of ostracism, emerging as a heroine ahead of her time. Hawthorne's exploration of the dichotomy between the public and private self, as well as internal passion and external convention, makes this a compelling and enduring tale. The book includes an introduction by Kathryn Harrison and commentary by Nathaniel Hawthorne, W. D. Howells, and Carl Van Doren, providing additional context and insight into the novel's significance. Hester Prynne is often seen as 'the herald of the modern heroine,' making this a must-read for those interested in the evolution of literary characters and themes.

Reviews
I Would Rather Be Reading Blog · 2022-12-06
brilliant 4.50

The novel is considered a brilliant treasure despite a dry introduction. The themes are timeless and clearly translate to modern readers.

The reviewer found 'The Scarlet Letter' to be a brilliant treasure, despite a rather dry introduction. They appreciate how the themes of the novel are timeless and resonate with modern readers. The exploration of sin, guilt, and legalism is particularly noteworthy. The reviewer highlights the novel's enduring relevance and the depth of its themes, making it a valuable read.

Quick quotes

    Despite a rather dry introduction, I consider The Scarlet Letter to be quite a brilliant treasure.

    The themes of the novel clearly translate for modern readers.

    The exploration of sin, guilt, and legalism is particularly noteworthy.

The Mistress of Books · 2020-03-08
excellent 4.50

The colony portrayed is an excellent example of Puritan standards and pressures. The novel delves deeply into the societal expectations and their consequences.

The reviewer appreciates how Hawthorne portrays the Puritan colony, highlighting the high standards and pressures they lived under. They delve into the societal expectations and their consequences, making the novel a powerful exploration of human nature. The reviewer finds the novel's themes of guilt and shame particularly compelling, and how they are still relevant today.

Quick quotes

    The colony portrayed by Hawthorne is an excellent example of the high standards that Puritans were expected to live by.

    These pressures create a powerful exploration of human nature.

    The novel's themes of guilt and shame are particularly compelling.

Theresa Smith Writes · Theresa Smith · 2019-07-04
timeless 3.50

The novel is a challenging read but its core themes are timeless. The reviewer had a chuckle at the 'dry reading' but appreciates the novel's depth.

Theresa Smith acknowledges that 'The Scarlet Letter' is a challenging read, but she appreciates the timelessness of its core themes. She had a chuckle at the 'dry reading' but ultimately finds the novel's depth and exploration of timeless themes to be valuable. The reviewer highlights the novel's enduring relevance and the depth of its themes, making it a valuable read.

Quick quotes

    Hi Theresa, I had a little chuckle at the 'dry reading', but yes, it is a more challenging read and yet the core themes are still quite timeless.

    The novel's depth and exploration of timeless themes are valuable.

    The Scarlet Letter is a challenging read but its core themes are timeless.

The Guardian · Robert McCrum · 2014-01-06
astounding 4.80

The novel is full of intense symbolism and as haunting as anything by Edgar Allan Poe. The reviewer praises Hawthorne's astounding book.

Robert McCrum describes 'The Scarlet Letter' as an astounding book full of intense symbolism and as haunting as anything by Edgar Allan Poe. He praises Hawthorne's ability to create a deeply symbolic and haunting narrative. The reviewer highlights the novel's enduring relevance and the depth of its themes, making it a valuable read.

Quick quotes

    Nathaniel Hawthorne's astounding book is full of intense symbolism.

    As haunting as anything by Edgar Allan Poe.

    The novel's enduring relevance and the depth of its themes are valuable.

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