Chapter 4 Preface to the Second Edition of The Scarlet Letter

Much to the author's astonishment, and somewhat comically (if he does not add to the displeasure by saying so), the preface to his article on official life--had aroused such sentiments among the intelligent men around him. Like an unprecedented storm.Indeed, the repercussions might not have been so great had he burned that customs house, and dipped the last smoking log in the blood of a great man whom he was said to have hated, but was loved by all. fierce.The public's accusations, if he thinks they are justified, are so important and relevant to the author, that he begs to be graciously affirmed, in order to rectify and eliminate possible inaccuracies, and to make a contribution to the crime for which he was convicted. To make up for it within his power, he re-read the foreword carefully.But, in his view, the text stands out only for its frankness and good-natured humor, and for its unerring accuracy in describing the true impressions of its characters.As for hostility, or malice of any kind, whether public or private, political or not, he has no such motive at all.That article might be omitted in its entirety, without injury to the reader, or to the work; but, now that the author has done his work, he thinks it impossible for him to rewrite it in a kinder and better mind, and, as far as his power is concerned, It is also hopeless to write more vividly and realistically.

In view of this, the author has no choice but to reprint his foreword without leaving a word. salem March 30, 1850