The Origin and Success of Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter'

TLDRNathaniel Hawthorne originally intended 'The Scarlet Letter' to be a short story, but it became his first and greatest literary success. The book received mixed reviews, with some praising its tragic power, while others criticized its racy content. Hawthorne stood his ground and refused to make any changes. The Puritans played a significant role in the story, as they believed in predestination and had a strong influence on the new settlement. The novel is considered a romance, allowing Hawthorne to explore the truth of the human heart.

Key insights

💡Nathaniel Hawthorne originally intended 'The Scarlet Letter' to be a short story.

📚'The Scarlet Letter' became Nathaniel Hawthorne's first and greatest literary success.

✍️Hawthorne refused to make any changes to the book despite criticism.

👥The Puritans and their beliefs played a significant role in the story.

💔'The Scarlet Letter' is considered a romance that explores the truth of the human heart.

Q&A

What was Nathaniel Hawthorne's original intention for 'The Scarlet Letter'?

—Hawthorne originally intended 'The Scarlet Letter' to be a short story.

What is the significance of 'The Scarlet Letter' in Hawthorne's career?

—'The Scarlet Letter' became Hawthorne's first and greatest literary success.

How did Hawthorne respond to criticism of 'The Scarlet Letter'?

—Hawthorne refused to make any changes to the book despite criticism.

What role did the Puritans play in the story of 'The Scarlet Letter'?

—The Puritans and their beliefs had a significant influence on the story.

What genre is 'The Scarlet Letter' considered to be?

—'The Scarlet Letter' is considered a romance that explores the truth of the human heart.

Timestamped Summary

00:09Nathaniel Hawthorne originally intended 'The Scarlet Letter' to be a short story.

00:17'The Scarlet Letter' became Hawthorne's first and greatest literary success.

00:39Hawthorne refused to make any changes to the book despite criticism.

00:50The Puritans and their beliefs had a significant influence on the story.

01:47'The Scarlet Letter' is considered a romance that explores the truth of the human heart.

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