The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel HawthorneMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
After Hawthorne’s overindulging introduction to his background in the Custom House, we jump straight into a third person narrative to learn of Hester Prynne and her sin in early seventeenth century American society. As there is so much contempt for her at the beginning of the novel, her resolve to stay within the community shows just how duty-bound she feels to continue to reside in New England rather than to have confidence and start life afresh. It’s a shame that the narrative isn't done in the third person; but then again that is what makes it so readable in comparison to other novels at that time. But there are times when Hawthorne wants to be more exotic in his descriptions; yet the societal values at the time prevents him from doing so in order for the story to be published. The conclusion must be the most pleasing as we gain a sense that justice has been served, but there is very little portrayal of emotion from Hester.
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