Synopsis
Published in 1850 and set in 17th-century Puritan Boston, Massachusetts, during the years 1642 to 1649, this novel tells the story of Hester Prynne, who conceives a daughter through an affair and will not reveal her lover’s identity. The scarlet letter A (for adultery) she has to wear on her clothes, along with her public shaming, is her punishment for her sin and her secrecy. She struggles to create a new life of repentance.
Thoughts
I had not read this book since high school and had wanted to reread it since finishing a retelling that I loved, Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese. I have so many thoughts about this classic. To get the one negative out of the way, I will say that it felt repetitive and a bit drawn out. I commend Hawthorne for his bravery in writing this piece that is overflowing with feminist themes and critiques of the church. Other themes include: sin, guilt, revenge, redemption, compassion, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Hester Prynne is a complex and strong heroine that I will be thinking about for some time. I love a book that gets me thinking about morals, values, and society.
★★★★☆
Question
What is the last classic book that you read?