Is it really necessary to read the 43 pg introduction to The Scarlet Letter?

Question

the intro sounds boring but i'll read it if it's necessary to understand the plot

Answer 1

Personally I would read it because the introduction often gives you significant insight into the book.  I have not read The Scarlet Letter, but there are a number of on line study guides, and quite a few other resources on the Internet that can help you with this novel.  Most of them have good information.  Have a look at these sites, and you should get some help with your work.  If you do a search here in the Yahoo Answers search window you will find additional help because hundreds of questions have been asked here about The Scarlet Letter.

http://www.glencoe.com/sec/literature/li...

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/scarlet/

http://www.gradesaver.com/classicnotes/t...

http://www.studyguide.org/scarlet_letter...

Answer 2

This is bad because I am a teacher, but I honestly wouldn't bother. The book is not that hard to understand, and it's boring enough as it is. Maybe you should start and if you get through 2 chapters and you're confused, then read the intro?

If you're reading it for school, though, and the intro was assigned, then yes, you'd better. 'Cause it'll be on the test for sure!

Answer 3

Reading introductions isn't always fascinating, but it will give you a lot of insight into the novel. If you're reading it for school, I'd say it's essential.

Answer 4

I would definitely read the introduction.  You don't want to miss anything, right?

Besides, 43 pages is nothing.