Thursday, October 30, 2008

the scarlet letter


A sad story, but not unbearably so. I liked it.

I purchased a copy of The Scarlet Letter (the same one I just read, even) towards the end of the summer before my senior year of high school. I read a few chapters. Within a week of school starting, my English teacher assigned us to read the same book. At that point I put it down and did not pick it up again until a few weeks ago. (Well to read, anyway. Technically I picked it up each time we moved. I always had the intention of reading it ... someday.) Sometimes I wonder what on earth I was thinking back then.

*edit to add*
I feel I should mention that there is one small part at the end of the book that I wished had been different. It tugs at my heart a little, though considering also that it is a novel, not a whole lot. Other than that, I very much enjoyed it.

6 comments:

Tracy Batchelder said...

This book is a classic and often assigned reading in school. I read it in high school and college. There are several books like this I missed reading though and should go back and read them now.

Ellen said...

Marcia, this was a book that I *loved* in high school & college. I've actually been to Nathaniel Hawthorne's house near Salem, and it's very interesting, from a historical standpoint. I do believe that this book 'holds up' well to contemporary works. Have you read "The Heretic's Daughter" by Kathleen Kent ? I think you would love it. Based on real history, and written by a descendent of the protagonist, it's modern writing, in 'old fashioned style' of the Salem witch trials, and early New England history. Great read.

Nancy said...

This book is a classic. As a former Language Arts teacher, I am embarrassed to say that I have never read it probably because another lady on staff taught American Literature, exclusively. My job was teaching British Literature and Philosophy.

I may get a copy from the library on my next trip.

Jen said...

I haven't read the book. It wasn't required reading in Iowa. Atleast you don't have to do a book report on it now. ;)

Momma B said...

I have a book that I have kept even though I have never read it. It is a big time classic, but I just can not do it justice. I guess I feel that since I won't be giving it my full attention, I will not even start it.

Maybe that is why you just read this book.

Maybe some day, I will get to read mine.

Some day.

Some day.

Probably not for a long time though!!!

Ally Jay said...

As with all classics the story stands the test of time but it can be difficult to get into the text.