A Reading Report of The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter was written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Nathaniel Hawthorne (July 4, 1804—May 19, 1864) was an American novelist and short story writer. He was a key figure in the development of American literature for his tales of the nation’s colonial history. His four major novels were written between 1850 and 1860, and they were The Scarlet Letter, The House of the Seven Gables, The Blithedale Romance, and The Marble Faun.

The story took place in Boston about 200 years ago. It narrated love affairs between three persons. They were Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale and Roger Chillingworth. Roger was an old misshapen man and a doctor. Hester was his wife, but she did not love him at all. Two years ago, Hester was sent alone across the ocean by Roger. However, Roger did not show up thereafter. While waiting, Hester fell in love with another man, Dimmesdale, who was a young minister and had a high position among ministers and was highly respected among his people in town. Hester and Dimmesdale loved each other, but their love was forbidden in that time. It was sinful because they committed adultery. And the secret was finally discovered because of Hester’s pregnancy. Due to this, Hester was punished by society with a letter A on her chest, which was considered as an evil and a shame. However, Hester refused to tell the name of the father even when she was asked to stand on the scaffold. And she chose to bear all the shame and punishment by herself. At the same time, Roger Chillingworth appeared and tried to take revenge on the adulterer. As time goes on, Hester’s daughter, Pearl was seven years old. And Roger became a real devil. He pretended to live with Dimmesdale to treat his disease. Actually, he just wanted to revenge him. Finally, Dimmesdale was weaker and weaker. In the end, Dimmesdale told the truth to the folks on the scaffold that he was Pearl’s father, and then he died. Roger also died after one year because the revenge took his all energy and strength. Hester then lived alone in her cottage far away from the city by herself. Pearl became a rich woman and lived in a happy life. When Hester died, she was buried next to Dimmesdale. The two shared a single tombstone, with a deep colored letter A shining

brightly.

In my opinion, the mainline is around the letter A in this novel. As the chief symbol, it has various meanings in different plots. In the beginning of the story, the letter A means adultery. The story begins with the scene that Hester stands on the scaffold with the A on her chest, and it is the way of punishment for the crime of adultery. It is known that Hester does not love her husband, Roger Chillingworth. So Hester and Dimmesdale fall in love with each other. However, it is forbidden at that time. Due to that, Hester is punished by society with a letter A on her chest, which is considered as a shame. Her behavior is disgraceful and she is looked down upon by others as if she is a devil from the hell that commits a terrible crime. So the letter A represents adultery in the beginning. Then the letter A changes its meaning in next plot. After Hester is punished on the scaffold, the folks think she is a bad woman. They look down upon her and treat her in an unfriendly manner. So she chooses to live solitarily in her cottage, which is far away from the city and she has no friends in the world with Pearl being her only companion. It suggests that Hester is very lonely and alone. So the scarlet letter A is also a symbol of being alone and alienation. At last, the scarlet letter A changes its meaning into being able, admirable and an angel. When a woman has lived through a difficult experience, her character changes a great deal. If she be all tenderness, she will die. If she survives, the tenderness will leave her. So when Hester is abandoned by all of the people, she is so tough to make living by herself. Her needlework is very excellent and is very popular among people. Then she earns money by doing that. The scarlet letter A has turned its meaning to be able. How difficult for a woman to feed a family! But she did it. Besides, in order to expiate her sin, she tries her best to help others and does not need to get their return. Her charitable deeds and quiet humility have earned her a reprieve from the scorn of the community. And because of that, she is respected by all the people gradually. So the letter A represents not only a symbol of adultery, being alone and alienation, but also a symbol of able, admirable and angel.

第二篇：饥饿游戏英文版读书报告

I read the novel---The Hunger Games, because I with my good friend during the Spring Festival had no intention to see The Hunger Games 3 .Then I stayed up late to watch the first two films and I “fell in love with” it.A series of this film is the most special subject I had ever seen by far. After reading the novel, you will marvel at the author's ideas.In my heart, its status only Harry Potter and The Matrix can be comparable to,so as the original novel, I think it's more attractive.

I think the novel’s most attractive part is the set to The Hunger Games .Design of these levels of the game designer can make you feel very exquisite beyond compare, but the premise is that these levels are used to kill the ”tributes “in The Hunger Games.This contradiction will make you feel nervous at the destiny of tributes , also hope to see then what are the organs during reading the novel.In this process, your mood will be shocked with the tribute’s death , and marveled at this ”ruthless art” of the designer.It also reflects the people's dark side,as the residents of congressional district in the novel take The Hunger Games as a reality show.People will generally ignore the person’ life who has nothing to do with their own ,what's more, will have the mood to appreciate other people's death.

What the Novel another very attracts me is the indomitable

spirit of heroine ----this is really heartfelt admiration.She dare to offend the authority,and in such a dangerous environment, a 16 years old girl in addition to overcomes the designer's levels, but also more dangerous heart. Really secretly applaud and congratulate for every time she escapes danger while reading the novel. She is also the person who personal charm is strong.She dare to stand against powerful congressional district,and infects people in other areas to rebel with her actions.Although this is a kind of actress’s ”halo”,it is undeniable that when you read the novel. That spirit really touches you,and you are one's blood boils with indignation.

This is a novel about the rights, political, courage, conspiracy, resistance ,so what you want to see all can be found in there.Once you begin to read, and absolutely can't stop.The film of the same name is popular all over the world.This is its charm .I sincerely recommend you to read this novel, and you can watch the movies the same time. I expect it can bring you wonderful ”shock”.