First Impression Journal
The novel the scarlet letter is both interesting and fascinating. At first I was skeptic and critical about reading the scarlet letter. Some of the diction used was challenging and I couldn’t understand the words used such as throng. Although the words are from a different time period it made you feel as if you were a part of the story or an actual person in society during this time. The writer words enveloped you in the story. After doing some background research on the book I found that it would be exploring the topic of adultery, and would have a possible negative attitude.
I know that in the period between the 1700s and 1800s if you committed adultery you were displaced in society and was shunned. This book takes place in between theses time periods and revolves around the life of Hester Prynne. In the beginning of the novel she appears to have been just let out of prison. In her hand she clutches a small infant child to her chest, and has the letter A sewed on to her chest.
As she walks people stare at her in disbelief and shame. She walks until she reaches a pedestal in front for all to see and climbs up, but remains silent. Hester can see the large crowd before her eyes motionless but unrelenting. She appears to be in the noose area of the square. At this point I assume that she will be hanged for committing treason by committing adultery. At this point little is known about this character.
I feel a sense of heartfelt sincerity for her. What had she done to deserve such attention and the unrelenting eyes of so many? What will happen to her? Will she live? This book already has me hooked. I am very fascinated to see what will become of Hester Prynne, her story, and how she will be treated. Although it may be challenging. I know I will be invested in this classic work of literature by Nathanael Hawthorne.
