Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, The Scarlet Letter, is a classic tale of human frailty and sin and the hardships that are caused by a single mistake. ... The author, at no point, "stretched" or exaggerated a situation, but instead left it for the reader to decide. ... Hawthorne speaks directly to the reader, writing, "The reader may chose among these theories (p. 235). In doing this, I could see the uncertainty and the author's desire for the reader to decide. ... The reader is never certain about what actually becomes of Pearl, but we do find out that Hester never leaves Americ...

• Word Count: 1296
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

In the book, "The Scarlet Letter," Nathaniel Hawthorne creates a character who is so loving, passionate, and mistreated that the reader cannot help but feel badly for her. ... Throughout the story of "The Scarlet Letter," Hawthorne tips off the reader that Hester Prynne is destined for a downfall because her character is written a classic tragic heroine. ... Due to the beauty and passion of Hester's character, the readers make a connection with her and even develop a feeling of sorrow and hopefulness for Hester throughout the novel, regardless of the sin she committed. The reader awaits t...

• Word Count: 1733
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

This novel has become a classic, because of the accurate portrayal of the conservative Puritan ways. ... (Hawthorne 119) Arthur does this frequently, and the reader is presented with the thought that this gesture possibly is not done as much out of physical suffering as spiritual suffering. ...

• Word Count: 2338
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School