The Scarlet Letter

<p>Set in 17th century Puritan Boston known then as the Massachusetts Bay Colony <em>The Scarlet Letter</em> written by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a jarring tale of morality sin and repentance. Hawthorne an American writer born in Salem Massachusetts first published <em>The Scarlet Letter</em> in 1850 and it became one of the first mass-produced books in America due to its popularity. Today it is considered a classic for its themes savage social criticism and genuine characters.</p><p>Hester Prynne a young colonial woman is punished by her community for having a child whose father is unknown. As she is already married the town decides that Hester must wear a scarlet “A” on her dress when she is in public for the rest of her life to shame her for committing the sin of adultery. Hester with dignity and grace does not name the father of her infant Pearl. Her husband who she had presumed was lost at sea takes a new name and settles in her village to exact revenge on Hester and her partner. Using the name Roger Chillingworth he decides that Pearl’s father should be punished as well and makes plans to find him but does not reveal his own identity.</p><p><em>The Scarlet Letter</em> tells of the shaming and humiliation of Hester by her community but also of Hester’s pride and dignity during her repentance. Hester’s story is reminiscent of the Biblical tale of Adam and Eve in which Eve’s sin causes her grief pain and ultimately being rejected. With Hawthorne’s uniquely dark yet romantic style of writing his honest commentary on social stigmatization and the rich history behind the story <em>The Scarlet Letter</em> is a heartfelt classic for everyone to enjoy.</p>