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3.19 AVERAGE
3.19 AVERAGE
Maybe if I wasn't a 17 year old in the 21st century I would've appreciated the novel more. Maybe if I had read the book and knocked it off my my tbr list before I read it in class I would've enjoyed it more. Nethertheless I didn't enjoy it or appreciate it as much as I had anticipated. I thought it was weak for a book that is promoted to be profeminsissm. Oh poor Minister Dimmesdale rotting away with his secret sin. The novel wasn't about Hester and Pearl but about a man of faith who has fallen short and is struggling with his guilt( basically every man in literature). I understand Dimmesdale's struggle to want to be perfect to wish he was blameless. I'm a pastor's kid my job in life especially in the church is to be blameless. But he overpowered Hester's struggle and even Chillingworth's desire for revenge. The true scarlet letter was the one he bore on his chest. And maybe that was the point the whole time, his scarlet letter and not her's and I missed that until now(if so then why is it considered pro feminism) I didn't enjoy the novel because it was too wordy(I know I'm going to attacked by shakespearean lovers) I myself love imagery and description, but sometimes a sentence or two will suffice if you're trying to tell me he walked slowly; even 5 sentences would've been fine but half a page, please. Maybe if there had been more supence to the plot or at least not so obvious. Of course you know Dimmesdale is the father the moment he is introduced and of course he died the moment he finished his confession. Of course Pearl is both an angel and a devil. Of course Hester after all those years stayed back in that town and continued to wear her letter in honor of her love for her lover. I know my opinion isn't the popular one so please when you attack my review they're not flooded with ad hominems or pokes about my grammar or spelling. I'm open to be judged but let me be judged with fairness, and not leave me on the scaffold to to be crucified by unjust defenses of counterarguments.
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Read this book in high school and definitely did not appreciate it's beauty. I recently read the book again and fell in love. I would not classify this book as an easy read, but it is relatively short and truly beautiful. The language, the story, the elements of spirituality, all are captivating.
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism
The story? meh. The writing? Difficult. The audiobook narrator? Awful. I did NOT enjoy this one, though I can see the importance of it in American literature.
there may have been an A on hester's dress but there certainly wasn't on my essay : )))
(i didn't even write an essay on this thank heavens but thats beside the point)
i barely got through the sparknotes for this what makes you think i could have ever actually read it
(i didn't even write an essay on this thank heavens but thats beside the point)
i barely got through the sparknotes for this what makes you think i could have ever actually read it
OH MY GOSH!!! I am loving this book. It is almost overtaking Persuasion as my all-time fave. I'm only on chapter 18, so my opinion may change, but oh how I love a love story with tortured souls...
dark
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved the language, the storyline, and the symbolism. There were parts that dragged a little bit for me, hence 4 rather than 5 stars. But I am confident I'll read this book again some day, whether to teach it or just study it more carefully than audio allowed me to. I'm still turning some things over in my mind, so I'll be re-reading some passages very soon indeed.
"Read" this back in high school. Didn't really get into the style of writing but the concept of the plot was cool (and realistic). It just didn't grab my attention and draw me in with a relatable or unique narrative