Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter (Cliffs Notes)

In CliffsNotes on Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, you explore life in 17th-century Massachusetts as you follow the ordeal of Hester Prynne, who has been found guilty of adultery and sentenced to wear a scarlet letter A on her dress as a sign of shame. The Scarlet Letter is considered to be Hawthorne's finest work, depicting a world where the real meets the unreal, the actual meets the imaginary—in a classic story that is difficult to forget.

This study guide carefully walks you through every step of Hester's journey by providing summaries and critical analyses of each chapter of the novel. You'll also explore the life and background of the author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and gain insight into how he came to write The Scarlet Letter. Other features that help you study include

• Character analyses of major players
• A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters
• Critical essays on the novel's setting and structure, symbolism, and classification as a gothic romance
• A review section that tests your knowledge
• A Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Internet sites

Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

Assuming he can read it -- hopefully, tonight, before his test Monday -- it seems like a good product. We really need to find the name of the file, however.


Excellent aid for students of all abilities   October 23, 2001
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Not to sound pretentious, but I had no trouble understanding "The Scarlet Letter," but I still found immense value in this companion text from Cliffs. It helped me by confirming what I myself had thought about the book and giving me interesting ideas for the term paper I was writing. Its usefulness comes from the ease of reading and the volume and quality of its contents. Of further value to the student is the rapidity with which the Cliffs Notes are read, making it indispensable for last minute paper-writing!

One closing comment: Cliffs Notes, however useful, are an aid for the reading of the full text and are no substitute for it.


Very Useful   August 30, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Since the Bible is not taught in most schools, this Cliffsnotes is quite handy. There are so many biblical references and ideas driving the theme of Hawthorne's splendid novel, that without this guide, few teachers would understand the full context of Hawthorne's book.

Oh, students will find it helpful as well!

I fully recommend "Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter (Cliffs Notes)."

Anthony Trendl


The heartstaking emotion   November 22, 2000
 3 out of 14 found this review helpful

Once, we were impressed by the characters and conversations. But, you will soon find out thatis not important. I know it is easier for a Christian to feel how painstaking to cencede. We are living in a sinful world with our erring nature. Death should be our eternity. But, Mr. Dimmesdale strived to win and be respected. He knows what is wrong and make the very decision to admit his error. He is brave, with no fear of death or punishment. A love lasts for seven years. Connecting our innermost desire for love, it touch every reader. I cannot move, feeling sorry after reading the ending. I hope no one will miss it.


Saved my English Grade   June 12, 2000
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This book made what was an incredably difficult book to follow easy to understand. I had to read the Scarlet Letter for my Honors english class. Highly Recomended.