
The Scarlet Letter (Paperback)
In 'The Scarlet Letter', which is set two centuries before Hawthorne's own time, the heroine, Hester Prynne, is forced by her Puritan society to wear a scarlet letter "A" on her clothing as a symbol of her adultery. It is America's first psychological novel, is a masterpiece that explores humanity's never-ending struggles with pride, sin, and guilt. It is accompanied by colorful and flawed characters, such as the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, who broods over a long-hidden secret, and Hester's husband Roger Chillingsworth, who is thirsty for vengeance.
The dark romanticism masterwork by Nathaniel Hawthorne is one of the most timeless tales about the cost of unbridled devotion. This exquisitely crafted version of a timeless classic is a must-have for today's adolescent audience.
“The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other women dared not tread. Shame, Despair, Solitude!” —Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter
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About the Author
Nathaniel Hawthorne was a 19th century American novelist and short story writer. He is seen as a key figure in the development of American literature for his tales of the nation's colonial history.
Shortly after graduating from Bowdoin College, Hathorne changed his name to Hawthorne. Hawthorne anonymously published his first work, a novel titled Fanshawe, in 1828. In 1837, he published Twice-Told Tales and became engaged to painter and illustrator Sophia Peabody the next year. He worked at a Custom House and joined a Transcendentalist Utopian community, before marrying Peabody in 1842. The couple moved to The Old Manse in Concord, Massachusetts, later moving to Salem, the Berkshires, then to The Wayside in Concord. The Scarlet Letter was published in 1850, followed by a succession of other novels. A political appointment took Hawthorne and family to Europe before returning to The Wayside in 1860. Hawthorne died on May 19, 1864, leaving behind his wife and their three children.
Much of Hawthorne's writing centers around New England and many feature moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. His work is considered part of the Romantic movement and includes novels, short stories, and a biography of his friend, the United States President Franklin Pierce.