The Scarlet Letter · Chapter
Preface to the Second Edition explained
The author responds to public outcry over his introductory sketch of official life, defending its good-humor and accuracy while disclaiming any personal or political enmity, and resolves to republish it unchanged.
What happens
The author responds to public outcry over his introductory sketch of official life, defending its good-humor and accuracy while disclaiming any personal or political enmity, and resolves to republish it unchanged.
Key passages
“Much to the author’s surprise, and (if he may say so without additional offence) considerably to his amusement, he finds that his sketch of official life, introductory to The Scarlet Letter , has created an unprecedented excitement in the respectable community immediately around him.”
The author is both surprised and amused to discover that his introductory sketch has caused an extraordinary stir among the local respectable citizens.
The author sets a tone of ironic detachment regarding the public's reaction.
“As the public disapprobation would weigh very heavily on him, were he conscious of deserving it, the author begs leave to say, that he has carefully read over the introductory pages, with a purpose to alter or expunge whatever might be found amiss, and to make the best reparation in his power for the atrocities of which he has been adjudged guilty.”
If he felt he deserved the public disapproval, it would trouble him greatly; but he has reviewed the pages intending to correct any errors and make amends for the offenses he is accused of.
The author acknowledges the criticism but implies he does not believe it is warranted.
“But it appears to him, that the only remarkable features of the sketch are its frank and genuine good-humor, and the general accuracy with which he has conveyed his sincere impressions of the characters therein described.”
He believes the sketch's main qualities are its honest good humor and truthful portrayal of the characters.
The author defends his work as both accurate and good-natured.
“As to enmity, or ill-feeling of any kind, personal or political, he utterly disclaims such motives.”
He completely denies any hostile or malicious intentions, whether personal or political.
The author explicitly rejects accusations of ill will.
“The author is constrained, therefore, to republish his introductory sketch without the change of a word.”
Thus, he feels compelled to reissue the introductory sketch exactly as it was originally written.
The author stands by his original text despite public pressure.