The Scarlet Letter- a Classic?

The Scarlet Letter is a definitive classic novel. The story is so impressive in many ways. Although a certain English teacher made it the book of choice to read over a semester where she discussed classic novels, a conclusion will not just be drawn from that evidence alone (although it very likely could be). The novel portrays certain problems that exist in the world today. Because some of the events are relatable to real life stories for some people, it makes the book more lasting than thoise which do not have exciting/relatable themes.

In the novel, a woman named Hester Prynne decides to get with another man because her husband went overseas and did not try to contact her for a few years. As a result, she gives birth to a baby girl in wedlock. The town knows her husband is not present, and decides to punish her for it. Besides being locked up in prison for her "adulterous acts," she has to wear a life-long symbol of shame. She must wear a Scarlet "A" on her dress for life, so others know that (and are weary) she is an adulterer. The novel ends with Hester escaping, but returning to Boston to wear her "A". No one quite knows why, but she dies and is buried next to her mister (mistress).

The theme that reoccurs in this book is adultery. It's not talked about a lot ins coiety today. However, it happens often. There are certainly studies that show a large percentage of both men and women have cheated on their spouses. However, the consequences for such actions are not the same, at elast certainly not in America.

Here in America, promiscuity is also popular (at least in the "limelight".) However, there are certain ways in which the shame factor is associated in today's world much like it was in Boston in the story's time setting. Today, adulterers are often known of by word of mouth, and the shame they share is of their (former) family and friends. Most adulterers are put to this type of shame, although some are given another chance. It's rare to se someone not face moral or social consequences from society for these actions (unless they are a celebrity who feeds off of that kind of publicity). The difference between punishments is quite substantial though, in that there is certainly no jail time for this social crime in America.

This book helps historically archive what adultery once meant, and how even in somewhat honest circumstances, it was always a serious offense. It helps people today to remember how it was frowned upon, and how it still should be seen as (a bad act.) America could use a refresher on moral values, and the idea that this book presents is one that is relevant to society today. It is for these exact reasons that "The Scarlet Letter" is indeed a classic novel.