Is "The Scarlet Letter" too cliche of a novel to write about for the essay?

Colleges & Universities University of Virginia
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<p>Is it? The College of Arts and Sciences asks: “What work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you, and in what way?” </p>

<p>I myself have read MANY novels–a good portion of which I consider much more challenging on a comprehension level than The Scarlet Letter. But Hawthorne’s masterpiece is a work I find myself coming back to again and again. It’s just a true gem in the English canon. However, I know this is, if not a favorite, a LEAST favorite among many applicants. Many of my friends that have read it HATE it and are considering it for their own essays (albeit in in a different fashion).</p>

<p>My essay’s goal is to highlight how the book challenged me on a moral, intellectual, and spiritual level, and also display how it has affected me as aspiring writer. I think my essay is quite good, but I can’t help but wonder if it will lost in the shuffle because of the subject matter. What are your opinions? Is it too cliche, or is subject matter even relevant?</p>

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<p>I almost wrote my essay about that story… Maybe many others did too. It’s a classic book, so many people may have used it. But a good essay is going to be great regardless. So if your essay is good and really affected you, I strongly suggest that you submit it and let fate take its course :)</p>

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<p>I almost wrote my essay about that story… Maybe many others did too. It’s a classic book, so many people may have used it. But a good essay is going to be great regardless. So if your essay is good and really affected you, I strongly suggest that you submit it and let fate take its course :)</p>

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<p>From Modern Family:</p>

<p>High school daughter: I have to write an essay on The Scarlet Letter.</p>

<p>Mother: So did I, in high school. Hasn’t anyone written any better books since then? </p>