The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter is a mandatory story that has to be read by all students entering their junior year at Gateway High School. Although mandatory, this story’s plot and characters are round and interesting,, though actually reading it may be difficult. The plot consists of a women, Hester Prynne, who has committed a sin against God. Her sin, one of adultery, is seen as unforgivable in the eyes of the townsfolk, who therefore condemn hester ot wear a scarlet letter (A) upon her breast as a symbol of her crime. Bearing the consequences of her actions by raising her bastard child, Pearl, while at the same time enduring the ridicule and disgust of the townsfolk. The only one who could possibly lighten her burden is the man with whom the crime was committed with. But he, Roger Dimmesdale, holds such a high position in town as part of the clergy that she cold not bare to disgrace him, a man who she must passionately loves. As the events draw on the story opens a bitter sweet ending , with Pearl grown and Hester an old women. - Christine Y.