Hawthorne says that he writes to the whole world hoping that someone will understand what he is talking about. He goes on to speak about Salem, where his relatives have lived and died since its Over time Salem has become more of an instinct to his family, and has tried to escape, but always come back. His children were not born in Salem because he wanted to break free of the tradition. He compares people to plants in that if you do not transplant, future crops will be ruined.He descries his forefathers as Puritans. They would not approve of his lifestyle as a writer because it is to unproductive.He then describes his return to Salem and his new job at the Custom House. His employees are elderly veterans that both amused and pained the author. After the men found out he meant no harm they relax and spend their time telling stories.Custom House Inspector- head leader of all custom houses, great physical condition despite of old age, but had no brains. His father put him into his position. He has no memories of experiences, only food.Collector- very old, strong spirit, his age has physically affected him, in war he was brutal, but now he wouldnt hurt a fly.Surveyor- more in contact with his thoughts than with the real world, motto: Ill try, sir!, described as a rusty swordAuthors title: Surveyor of RevenueOne rainy day he looks through old barrels of articles and finds a scarlet letter A and a document describing the life of Hester Prynne. He claims that these serve as documents of proof for his novel. (These were never found and were probably made up to give the novel a historical sense.) He decides to write a book based on this. He does his writing under moonlight or firelight.As he writes he realizes he must leave the Custom House. Its way of producing a stable life is addicting. It doesnt allow you to support yourself. But then he is promoted to P.P. and decides to stay. Just as he begins to feel comfortable he was fired. Because o...
