Exploring 'The Scarlet Letter': Reading Habits and Personal Reflections

When we think back to our high school and college readings, some books seem to have been mandatory, while others were perhaps a missed opportunity. In this article, we delve into the experiences of two readers— and —with Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel, 'The Scarlet Letter.' We will explore their thoughts on whether they had to read this book in school, their opinions on the book's relevance to modern times, and their personal preferences in literature.

Reflections on Reading 'The Scarlet Letter'

mentioned that despite being an English major, they were not required to read 'The Scarlet Letter' either in high school or college. It was a surprise to find that they finally read it recently and actually enjoyed it. This reaction might be surprising to some, as notes that they are more of a 'Tolstoy, Faulkner, and Bronte kind of girl.' However, the ornate sentence structure and heavy symbolism in Hawthorne’s writing provided a refreshing change of pace, making the experience enjoyable for them.

Unlike , has had multiple encounters with this book. They revealed that they had to read it multiple times due to transferring schools and changes in housing and poverty. While found the story 'dry and both relevant and irrelevant to today,' they still appreciated Hawthorne's short stories, describing them as 'lovely.' However, their view on 'The Scarlet Letter' is more critical, noting its limitations and asking pointed questions about its relevancy in modern times.

The Relevance of 'The Scarlet Letter' in Modern Times

found the novel to be relevant because of the ongoing issue of 'slut shaming,' which they drew a parallel to the collar on Hester in the book. The men in the story, such as Dimmesdale, never face public or complete shame, only private ridicule. also pointed out that the book’s portrayal of Hester as a single mother in a world that demands two-parent households is another point of relevance. However, questioned the relevance of the book, highlighting the outdated aspects such as the role of the church and the communal dynamics of their time. One of 's significant points is whether a modern solution, like divorce, could have avoided the whole 'shitpile' of problems presented in the novel.

Personal Reading Preferences

Both and expressed their preferences in literature, giving a hint at why 'The Scarlet Letter' might not be to their taste. leans towards authorship that offers a different and more straightforward narrative experience, such as Tolstoy, Faulkner, and Bronte. Conversely, mentions a preference for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short stories, with noting that they would only re-read 'The Scarlet Letter' in a group setting with lively discussion.

Conclusion

'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne stands as a classic novel with enduring themes that are still relevant today. However, the reading experiences of different individuals can vary widely based on personal preference and the context of its consumption. As an English major, found enjoyment in 'The Scarlet Letter' with its rich symbolism and complex narrative, while found it dry and its relevance questionable. Nevertheless, both authors recognized the importance of reading and discussing books, even if their tastes differed. This exploration highlights the diverse and multifaceted nature of reading and the ongoing debate about the relevance of classic literature in modern times.

For more information on literature, classic novels, or to explore new authors, visit the ">website. Join the conversation and share your own experiences with 'The Scarlet Letter' or any other book that has left an impression on you.