The Intro...

Other than eventually setting up the story of the actual scarlet letter, does the intro chapter of the book have any purpose? (I am not talking about the Barnes and Nobles into, but the one actually written by Hawthorne)

Its called " The Custom House" and it establishes the narrator. He draws a parallel to the modern world in telling us that he, like Hester Prynne, feel alienated in society and thus universalizing the her story. Sparknotes says it was "constructed to enhance the book aesthetically and philosophically."

In my opinion, the introductary is trying to make us look at ourselves as well as the story that follows it , showing us that this persecution is not restricted to the Puritans of yesteryear but that we continue to do this today.

Is it just me or the intro reminds you a little of Thoreau?