The Scarlet Letter

by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Hester Prynne, the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale, and the scarlet letter decorating Hester’s chest. We all know the story. But this is the first time that I’ve even attempted to read this novel, and I have to admit that I liked it.

I feared the stiff and humorless Puritans of such works as The Crucible. Well, they were stiff and humorless, but Hawthorne brings so much more to this simple tale. He brings passions and complexity to these truly tortured souls.

I am glad that I finally read this classic American novel. I have a better understanding of the oft alluded to novel and have gained a good sense of Hawthorne’s writing style.

3/8/12