The Scarlet Letter: A Dramatic Composition

Excerpt from The Scarlet Letter: A Dramatic Composition
It is but fair to say that the dramatic construction was the result of collaboration by the composer and the author, and was largely suggested by Mr. Damrosch. Obviously the character of Little Pearl was impossible in opera, and she was therefore omitted. The great elemental story of Hester's and Arthur's love, sin, suffering, and partial expiation is what we wished to treat. This is presented with the utmost directness and compression. Gaps are bridged, delays avoided. Inci dents are changed, remodeled, or transposed at will, and new incidents and moods are introduced.