The book The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is considered a classic, but times have dramatically changed since Hawthorne wrote it. That leaves the question: can this book still be considered a classic today? After reading this and taking into account the criteria for a classic, it is determined that this book meets many of the criteria that signify it as a classic. The Scarlet Letter is a classic today and will continue to be for years to come.
Even though times have changed and the language, way people act, etc. are very different today from the time period of the book, it still deserves the title of a classic. First of all, this book should still be considered a classic because it makes the reader think more critically and in depth than a normal story would. It has many symbols, illusions, etc. that the reader can deduce throughout the entire book. It also has many situations that keep the reader hanging and leaves open a lot of room for their own interpretation. Even the characters leave room for the reader to interpret and analyze their actions and behaviors.
Second, this book was written very many years ago and it still is being used in classrooms today. Obviously, it is timeless because of how known it was when first written and how known it still is decades later. Many people have read, or at least know of, this book. Also, there is two movies made from this book. A book has to be pretty good and known to not only have one, but two movies made for it. This book is still getting read today and will continue for many years to come.
Finally, this book has many reoccurring, known themes such as revenge, sin, etc. Everybody, from any and everywhere, know these themes and have been in or have at least witnessed them. Most people can relate to these and learn something from how the characters reacted to problems/situations in the book or the problems/situations in general. All in all, this book was a classic long ago, is a classic today, and will continue to be a classic for years to come.
I totally agree with you that this book should be a classic. Truthfully, I hated the book and found it very boring, but then again, many books that are considered classics are rather boring. The book did teach me to think more critically than usual about the story and it made me venture outside of my comfort zone, which is always good to do.
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