The Scarlet Letter

"The Scarlet Letter," written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is a novel set in 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts. It tells the story of Hester Prynne, a woman who bears an illegitimate child and is shunned by her community. As punishment, she is forced to wear a scarlet "A" for adultery. The book explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption, highlighting the harshness of societal judgment and the complexities of human emotion. Through Hester's journey, Hawthorne examines the conflict between personal morality and public shaming, ultimately advocating for compassion and understanding over condemnation.