The Scarlet Letter

Set in a Puritan community, the story follows Hester, a young woman who, after her husband is lost at sea, becomes pregnant by another man. Despite societal pressure to reveal the father's identity, she remains resolute in her silence. Nathaniel Hawthorne delves into themes of hypocrisy, dignity, and redemption, creating a profound narrative that examines the complexities of sin and morality. This landmark novel showcases the struggles of its characters against the backdrop of rigid societal norms.