Scarlet Letters

The term "Scarlet Letter" originates from Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 novel of the same name, which tells the story of Hester Prynne, a woman shamed for committing adultery. In the novel, she is forced to wear a red letter "A" on her clothing to signify her sin. Today, the phrase "scarlet letter" symbolizes public shame or stigma attached to one's actions or mistakes. It reflects how society often labels individuals for their past conduct, impacting their identity and reputation.