Cliffsnotes on Hawthorne's the Scarlet Letter

by Susan Van Kirk

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.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 includeCharacter analyses of major playersA character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the charactersCritical essays on the novel's setting and structure, symbolism, and classification as a gothic romanceA review section that tests your knowledgeA 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.

Genres: Linguistics, Literature

132 pages, Paperback

First published May 22, 2000

About the author

Susan Van Kirk's book, Death in a Ghostly Hue, has been nominated for a 2025 Anthony Award for Best Paranormal Mystery.


Susan Van Kirk was born in Galesburg, Illinois, and educated at Knox College (BA) and University of Illinois (M.Ed). She taught for thirty-four years at Monmouth High School in Monmouth, Illinois, and an additional ten years at Monmouth College.

She wrote a memoir of her teaching life and revised it in April 2026. "Mr. Vonnegut and Me (And Other Incredible Tales from a Teaching Life."

Her Endurance Mysteries include "Three May Keep a Secret," "Marry in Haste," "The Locket: From the Casebook of TJ Sweeney," "Death Takes No Bribes," "The Witch's Child," and "Fabric of Lies."" Harlequin Worldwide Mystery has republished this series.

"A Death at Tippitt Pond" is a standalone cozy mystery.

The Art Center Mysteries, published by Level Best Books include "Death in a Pale Hue," "Death in a Bygone Hue," and "Death in a Ghostly Hue." The third in the series was nominated for an 2025 Anthony Award for Best Paranormal Mystery.

Van Kirk is a member of MWA and Sisters in Crime. She is past president of the online chapter of Sisters in Crime.

Reviews

[Nicole Gade]

I find cliff notes to be invaluable little gems for reading the classics. I read alternating chapters between cliff notes and my book. I would never read them instead of literature, but they are great for enhancing comprehension.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

The better to READ you with :)

[Paradisesexislandsecurity · Rating 5 out of 5]

god i hate this book god bless cliff notes

[Anja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really needed that to understand the book

[Elevetha · Rating 2 out of 5]

My edition is written by Terry J. Dibble, so....