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The Scarlet Letter (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels) Paperback – May 2, 1994

by Nathaniel Hawthorne (Author)
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An "A" for "adultery" marks Hester Prynne as an outcast from the society of colonial Boston. Although forced by the puritanical town fathers to wear a bright red badge of shame, Hester steadfastly resists their efforts to discover the identity of her baby's father. The return of her long-absent spouse brings new pressure on the young mother, as the aggrieved husband undertakes a long-term plot to reveal Hester's partner in adultery and force him to share her disgrace.
Masterful in its symbolism and compelling in its character studies, Nathaniel Hawthorne's tale of punishment and reconciliation examines the concepts of sin, guilt, and pride. The Scarlet Letter was published to immediate acclaim in 1850. Its timeless exploration of moral and spiritual issues, along with its philosophical and psychological insights, keep it ever relevant for students of American literature and lovers of fiction.
A selection of the Common Core State Standards Initiative.
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  1. Print length
    192 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Dover Publications
  4. Publication date
    May 2, 1994
  5. Reading age
    18 years and up
  6. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0486280489
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0486280486
  9. Lexile measure
    410L
  10. See all details
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  2. Dover Thrift Edition LogoDover Thrift Edition Logo

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From the Publisher

0486280489-The-Scarlet-Letter-Hawthorne-Dover-Thrift-Editions-Classic-Novels0486280489-The-Scarlet-Letter-Hawthorne-Dover-Thrift-Editions-Classic-Novels

The Scarlet Letter Nathanial Hawthorne Dover Thrift Editions Classic NovelThe Scarlet Letter Nathanial Hawthorne Dover Thrift Editions Classic Novel
Born on the fourth of July in 1804, Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote the stories that lie at the heart of the American Romantic movement.

His portraits of colonial life reflect his Puritan heritage and offer fascinating profiles of individuals who strive for freedom from social conventions.

An "A" for "adultery" marks Hester Prynne as an outcast from the society of colonial Boston.

A timeless exploration of moral and spiritual issues, along with its philosophical and psychological insights.

One of the greatest American novels, its themes of sin, guilt, and redemption, woven through a story of adultery in the early days of the Massachusetts Colony, are revealed with remarkable psychological penetration and understanding of the human heart.

Dovers Thrift Edition Library of classic literature - a long standing mission of exceptional valueDovers Thrift Edition Library of classic literature - a long standing mission of exceptional value

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

First published in 1850, The Scarlet Letter is Nathaniel Hawthorne's masterpiece and one of the greatest American novels. Its themes of sin, guilt, and redemption, woven through a story of adultery in the early days of the Massachusetts Colony, are revealed with remarkable psychological penetration and understanding of the human heart.
Hester Prynne is the adulteress, forced by the Puritan community to wear a scarlet letter A on the breast of her gown. Arthur Dimmesdale, the minister and the secret father of her child, Pearl, struggles with the agony of conscience and his own weakness. Roger Chillingworth, Hester's husband, revenges himself on Dimmesdale by calculating assaults on the frail mental state of the conscience-stricken cleric. The result is an American tragedy of stark power and emotional depth that has mesmerized critics and readers for nearly a century and a half.
A selection of the Common Core State Standards Initiative.

About the Author

Born on the fourth of July in 1804, Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote the stories that lie at the heart of the American Romantic movement. His portraits of colonial life reflect his Puritan heritage and offer fascinating profiles of individuals who strive for freedom from social conventions.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications (May 2, 1994)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 192 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0486280489
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0486280486
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 410L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches

About the author

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Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne

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Born on the fourth of July in 1804, Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote the stories that lie at the heart of the American Romantic movement. His portraits of colonial life reflect his Puritan heritage and offer fascinating profiles of individuals who strive for freedom from social conventions.

Photo by Mathew Brady [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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4.5 out of 5 stars
1,143 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They consider it a good value for the price and a good edition. The story is interesting and thought-provoking, with plenty of content. Many readers find it a required reading in high school and perfect for school projects.

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ReadabilityValue for moneyStory qualityReading requirement
70 customers mention "Readability"55 positive15 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it engaging with beautiful writing, rich vocabulary, and poetic phrases. The book is described as a classic that students enjoyed reading.

"...in great words -- has made my students really wake up to what a great book this is, and has begun to give them moral compasses about their own..." Read more

"...I took my time savoring the archaic language and the poetic phraseology. I lingered as Hester was forced to bear the shame of youth and religiosity...." Read more

"DELIGHTED WITH THE BOOK" Read more

"...the play of interior and exterior, the marvelous psychology, the lush vocabulary. It's a great pleasure to read and reflect on this book...." Read more

27 customers mention "Value for money"27 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a good value for money. They say it's worth it and easy for teachers to afford. The edition is good and a must-read.

"Great price, quick delivery" Read more

"While cost effective, the Dover Thrift edition has very small font with very little space between lines...." Read more

"...So read it again. This edition, a Dover Thrift, feels, well, inexpensive, with thin paper and print that at my age could be a little bigger." Read more

"...It came at a great price too in comparison to buying it from the store since i prefer to write in my books and cannot do so if i were to borrow from..." Read more

15 customers mention "Story quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story. They find it interesting and thought-provoking. The book is a classic that is suitable for discussion in book clubs or classes. Readers appreciate the insightful approach to moral choices.

"...Hawthorne deals with responses to immoral choices in a brilliantly insightful manner. The Scarlet Letter rates as a true American classic...." Read more

"...It's a great pleasure to read and reflect on this book...." Read more

"...this book to not get some grand vision on life but to just enjoy a great story about the lives of four people." Read more

"...to read this book as an assignment for class, but I ended up really liking the story...." Read more

6 customers mention "Reading requirement"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book useful for school projects and required reading in high school. They also mention it's a good edition and suitable for younger kids.

"...It was slow and then picked up pace. It's a great book for high school, as there remain a lot of unanswered questions to discuss." Read more

"The book came in time and arrived nicely. This book is a requirement for my high school and I'm glad to have it during the summer to read it ahead..." Read more

"Book is for my son for required reading. I haven't actually read the book but perhaps i will when he has finished." Read more

"Perfect for younger kids, especially those just getting into reading, as it's a more condensed version of the classic. Great purchase." Read more

Arrived nicely
5 out of 5 stars
Arrived nicely
The book came in time and arrived nicely. This book is a requirement for my high school and I'm glad to have it during the summer to read it ahead of time. It's a relatively short book with lots of content.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Angi Duvendack
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect, thank you
    Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2024
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    Great price, quick delivery
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  • Morris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Quality of the Book was great
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    As far as buying this from this seller, 10/10. The book however, not the best!
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  • Be Well
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sin, revenge, penance, celebrity worship
    Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    The Scarlet Letter has it all. Although in today's morality, Hester and Dimmesdale's tryst would barely make anyone blink an eye, Hawthorne deals with responses to immoral choices in a brilliantly insightful manner. The Scarlet Letter rates as a true American classic. I had always ho-hummed it, but upon finally reading it, now that I am teaching it, it is one of the deepest and also funniest books I've ever read. Reading the funny parts together in class -- Dimmesdale on the pillory at night, Hester bored and annoyed as the preacher thunders over her head about the evils of Adultery, Hawthorne truly captures the moments in great words -- has made my students really wake up to what a great book this is, and has begun to give them moral compasses about their own reaction to a sin of this type. It is also evident that Hawthorne is a budding liberal, as he obviously defends Adultery of this nature to the core. A highly interesting book to read in a book club, class, or whatever setting people can discuss it and share it together.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Maria B.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good quality, not as good in comparison to others.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this for my junior year in high school (11th grade), with the intention to take notes & highlight in the book. Our class was simply asked to buy one copy of The Scarlet Letter, and version would do. A book is a book, and I have two very minor complaints about mine.

    1) This (as with many Dover Thrift Edition books, apparently) is a "Green Edition" book. What this means for me is that the pages are ultra thin, and whenever I use pen or highlighter ink it seeps through the pages, making the back much less legible.

    2) This book lacks footnotes. Not a requirement, but considering that most available versions of this book have helpful footnotes, those would have been nice.

    Not large faults of the books, just simple ones that caught my eye.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Maddie M
    5.0 out of 5 stars Reading for English class
    Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Came in good condition and quickly, no issues!
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  • Brion Dontavious Martin
    5.0 out of 5 stars MY FAVORITE CLASSIC!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Hester Prynne is my favorite literary heroine!
    I know that’s not how others may characterize her but all I saw was a woman of immense internal strength in the face of shame and suffering.
    I found myself admiring her and suffering alongside this brave and beautiful woman.

    I never had the chance to read this in high school and I’m so glad I waited. Any book assigned as a school project made me approach it as a prison meal... but this time I was able to approach it as a 5 star banquet spread.

    I took my time savoring the archaic language and the poetic phraseology. I lingered as Hester was forced to bear the shame of youth and religiosity. I tried to absorb the despair and find the strength that she was forced to find and soon I learned to love her as though I had known her and her agony personally.

    Nathanial Hawthorne has brilliantly critiqued the human condition and masterfully described the burden of shame, hypocrisy, vengeance and triumph.

    This book is one for the ages!

    A must buy if ever there was one.
    66 people found this helpful
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  • LB Pruitt
    3.0 out of 5 stars Font and line spacing very small
    Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    While cost effective, the Dover Thrift edition has very small font with very little space between lines. My family all found the book difficult to physically read. It wasn't uncommon to accidently skip a line and none of us have tracking issues. Given this is a book studied in high school, it is common to want to underline and even make notes in the margins which is futile with this version. I would return it but the return shipping is half the cost of the book and not worth my time.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Joseph Morrow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting book
    Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I wanted to read this book ever since I show me the book with you on Prager U book club it just arrived today so I haven’t had time to really read the whole book
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  • jandira tedesco garcia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Solidão
    Reviewed in Brazil on June 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Gostei da história, das dificuldades que as mulheres tinham na época. De conhecer um pouco mais sobre os imigrantes.
    Report
  • DNF
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recomendado!
    Reviewed in Mexico on September 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Aumentando mi colección, es un libro delgado, con letras un poco pequeñas, pero muy practico para llevarlo en un viaje, y practicar mi inglés.
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    DNF
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recomendado!
    Reviewed in Mexico on September 9, 2020
    Aumentando mi colección, es un libro delgado, con letras un poco pequeñas, pero muy practico para llevarlo en un viaje, y practicar mi inglés.
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  • vicky
    5.0 out of 5 stars made me cry
    Reviewed in Canada on December 6, 2019
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    loved this book beautifully done symbolism and engaging and heartfelt love story. a realistic depiction of how revenge is never all that sweet
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  • GEERT KIMPS
    5.0 out of 5 stars Todo correcto
    Reviewed in Spain on June 11, 2019
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    Todo correcto
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  • belle-lolita
    3.0 out of 5 stars Scarlett letter
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 20, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    I received my purchase without any problems. Although the product itself is slightly worn I do not mind as I am glad to hold such a well-read book.
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