The Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthornes 1850 historical fiction masterpiece The Scarlet Letter is considered one of the greatest American novels. It is important to note that in the America of the 1850s the books genesis action adultery was not considered appropriate for polite society. Due to quality of novel and Hawthornes respect among the New England literary establishment The Scarlet Letter was quickly accepted as appropriate reading in polite society.The book is set in the earliest days of the Puritan Massachusetts Colony Hester Prynnes adultery is used by Hawthorne to explore the deepest depths of the human heart. The interplay of Hester her husband Rodgers ceaseless torture of Arthur Dimmesdale - secret father of Hesters child results in a mesmerizing American Tragedy. The Scarlet Letter represents the height of Hawthornes literary genius. exploration of the universals themes of legalism sin guilt and the deft application of psychological depth has kept this book deeply relevant since its first printing.