Nathaniel Hawthorne
An American novelist and short story writer, a key figure in American Romanticism. His works, including The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables, explored themes of sin, guilt, morality, and the legacy of Puritanism in colonial America. Hawthorne's psychological depth, allegorical narratives, and exploration of human nature's darker aspects left an indelible mark on American literature.
Set in 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts, The Scarlet Letter follows Hester Prynne, who bears the shame of an adulterous affair through the symbol of a scarlet “A.” Amid judgment, secrecy, and hypocrisy, she seeks dignity and redemption. Hawthorne’s classic explores sin, guilt, and the oppressive moral codes of society. Rich in symbolism and psychological depth, it remains a powerful critique of public shaming and the complexity of human emotion.