The Scarlet Letter (novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne)

"The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a historical novel set in 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts. It tells the story of Hester Prynne, who is shunned after bearing an illegitimate child and is forced to wear a scarlet “A” for “adultery” as punishment. The novel explores themes of sin, guilt, punishment, and redemption, highlighting how personal shame and societal judgment affect individual identity. Through Hester’s resilience and complex relationships, Hawthorne examines moral nuances and the conflict between public morality and private conscience. It’s a profound reflection on morality, punishment, and human dignity.