The Scarlett Letter

Set in 17th-century Puritan Boston, Massachusetts, The Scarlet Letter tells the story of Hester Prynne, who conceives a daughter through an affair and will not reveal her lover’s identity.

Recommended for: Historical fiction enthusiasts, literature lovers, and those interested in exploring themes of sin, guilt, and legalism.

You will:

• Be transported to 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts, where the strict rules of the community come into conflict with individual desires and actions
• Explore the themes of sin, guilt, and legalism through the story of Hester Prynne and her daughter Pearl
• Discover the symbolism of the scarlet letter “A” and its significance in the novel
• Analyze the characters’ motivations and relationships, including Hester, Pearl, and Reverend Dimmesdale
• Examine the historical context of the novel and its reflection of the societal norms of the time

Plot Summary

The novel is set in 17th-century Puritan Boston, Massachusetts, between 1642 and 1649. Hester Prynne, a young woman, is punished for committing adultery by being forced to wear a scarlet letter “A” on her clothes. She refuses to reveal the identity of her lover, and the novel explores her struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity. Throughout the book, Hawthorne explores themes of legalism, sin, and guilt, as Hester and her daughter Pearl navigate the strict rules of the Puritan community.

Theme and Analysis

The novel explores several themes, including sin, guilt, and legalism. Hester’s punishment serves as a symbol of the community’s rigid moral code, and her refusal to reveal her lover’s identity highlights the tension between individual desires and societal expectations. The scarlet letter “A” becomes a powerful symbol of shame and guilt, but also of redemption and personal growth. Through Hester’s story, Hawthorne critiques the harshness of the Puritan community and the dangers of unchecked moral authority.

Licensing

Nathaniel Hawthorne. The Scarlett Letter. Originally published in 1850. This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. This digital edition is provided by Standard Ebooks under the CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.