Customer Reviews

Four Great American Classics

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The issues dealt with in The Scarlet Letter are, in many ways, as relevant today as they were a hundred years ago when Mr. Hawthorne wrote it. His insight into the human spirit and character are amazing- he even addresses women's rights! The writing style is archaic compared with today's styles, but the messages are clear and there are many surprising "supernatural" elements which are made believable and keep the reader turning pages. You may have seen the movie, but you must read the book- it took me years to actually pick this one up and when I did, I couldn't put it down! It is just as true today as nearly 300 years ago when this story takes place that the harsh judgement of others and ourselves keeps us unnesarily miserable.

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane describes a young man named Henry Fleming who enlists in the Union Army. Henry desires to become a hero like the Ancient Greek warriors, but when the Confederates charge, he cowardly flees from battle. Henry then goes to the forest to try to justify his actions, but the grim scene of a dead soldier looking at him helps to teach him that although he can run from battle, he cannot escape his fate. After the death of Jim Conklin, Henry's regeneration is brought about. Throughout the rest of the story, Henry must strive to earn his own personal "red badge of courage." The major theme that Crane expresses is that bravery is a temporary, but sublime absence of selfishness. Stephen Crane eloquently depicts war through this book. Moreover, he tells the story through Henry's perceptions. Crane also criticizes several characters by using his famous ironic tone. Furthermore, he seems to criticize Henry for having romantic illusions. Overall, this book is a great book because of the diction and imagery. Crane's themes convey the fact that he has spent a lot of time researching war. This book should be read by all children before they enter high school because it is not difficult to comprehend. Likewise, Stephen Crane allows any audience to enjoy reading the story because the reader can visualize any person as the soldiers in battle. Therefore, the reader possesses the power to interpret Crane's literature personally. However, the negative aspect of the book is its length because Crane includes some chapters that could be left out. To reiterate, this novel was very well-written and can be read by almost any audience. Lastly, it is not as violent as many would think.

One must agree the The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane is truly a remarable novel. This novel is based on the inner emotions of a young man and how he gains the courage he needs to overcome his fear of war. Crane's realistic style of writing which depicts every single detail of how the battles of the Civil War were fought appeals to those of socitey, typically males, who enjoy the blood, guts , and glory of war. On the other hand, the novel is also apealing to those of society who enjoy a novel filled with in-depth emotions. Although the Red Badge of Courage is beautifully written, the language and meaning within the novel could only be truly appreciated by mature readers. The graphic descriptions throughout the novel are amazingly deltailed and provide great imagery and meaning yet they are not intended for a younger crowd. In essence, one should understand that The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane is an extraordinary novel that I insist you, the mature reader, purchase.

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane describes a young man named Henry Fleming who enlists in the Union Army. Henry desires to become a hero like the Ancient Greek warriors, but when the Confederates charge, he cowardly flees from battle. Henry then goes to the forest to try to justify his actions, but the grim scene of a dead soldier looking at him helps to teach him that although he can run from battle, he cannot escape his fate. After the death of Jim Conklin, Henry's regeneration is brought about. Throughout the rest of the story, Henry must strive to earn his own personal "red badge of courage." The major theme that Crane expresses is that bravery is a temporary, but sublime absence of selfishness. Stephen Crane eloquently depicts war through this book. Moreover, he tells the story through Henry's perceptions. Crane also criticizes several characters by using his famous ironic tone. Furthermore, he seems to criticize Henry for having romantic illusions. Overall, this book is a great book because of the diction and imagery. Crane's themes convey the fact that he has spent a lot of time researching war. This book should be read by all children before they enter high school because it is not difficult to comprehend. Likewise, Stephen Crane allows any audience to enjoy reading the story because the reader can visualize any person as the soldiers in battle. Therefore, the reader possesses the power to interpret Crane's literature personally. However, the negative aspect of the book is its length because Crane includes some chapters that could be left out. To reiterate, this novel was very well-written and can be read by almost any audience. Lastly, it is not as violent as many would think.

Yes, I suppose if you are into WCW "wrasslin" and collecting unemployment this book would not be your best bet. But, for those of us that have jobs and attention spans it is a wonderful novel about the "effects of sin". Something most of the other reviewers only see on Jerry Springer. So do not listen to these reviewers who tell you to "drop the class" if you are forced to read it...look where dropping classes got them. Yes, I WOULD like that super sized.

okay. if you've read The House of Seven Gables, you probably already know how metaphor-happy Hawthorne can be. If not, get ready for page after page of in-depth metaphors. In other words, you get to read 3 consecutive pages about rosebushes, material, colors, etc. If you enjoy description (and there is a heck of a lot of it) by all means, buy this book. If you're like me, and get annoyed with over-analyzation, one-dimensional characters, and obvious plot endings, despite the themes of sin, blackmail, supernatural,etc, you should understand why this book was banned.

Oh Lord...I know I will have people who will totally disagree with me on this, but DO NOT READ THE SCARLET LETTER! I LOVE reading, and I enjoy the classics very much, but this book literally set me to sleep. Maybe I am too dense to understand this piece of literature, but all I can say is Nat Hawthorne turned what could've been a great story into a dull mushpot of words.

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, READ THIS BOOK! Dont get me wrong, but The Scarlet Letter is one of the most boring books out there. Even if it is assigned for a reading in class, dont bother. Your analysis will inevitably be incorrect. I dont care how bright you are.