The Scarlet Letter

"The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a classic novella exploring themes of guilt and atonement. Set in 1640 Boston, it follows adulteress Esther Prynne, who wears the scarlet letter A as a badge of honor in a strict Puritan society. Hawthorne's background as a descendant of a Salem witch trial judge adds depth to the narrative.